| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM07830 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Munition |
| Physical description | Copper, Lead |
| Date made | c 1915 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
French projectiles : Krithia, Gallipoli
Description
Two spent 50R mm Lebel cartridge projectiles. One is misshapen due to impact.
History / Summary
Projectiles found in January 1919 on the ground over which the 2nd Australian Infantry Brigade advanced at Cape Helles, Gallipoli on 8 May 1915. They were located by members of the Australian War Records Section led by Lieutenant William Hopkin James who were working at Gallipoli, taking photographs and collecting items for the national collection.
On the afternoon of 8 May the 2nd Brigade (5, 6, 7 and 8 Infantry Battalions) advanced towards Krithia. Some 500 Australians were killed in the attack. Many of their bodies, being under direct enemy fire, could not be recovered until after the war. French forces had fought over the same ground earlier and later on the same day.