| Place | Europe: France, Picardie, Somme, Amiens Harbonnieres Area, Hamel Area, Hamel |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM00811 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Personal Equipment |
| Physical description | Aluminium, Brass, Canvas, Cotton, Felt |
| Maker |
Mills Woven Cartridge Belt Company |
| Place made | United States of America |
| Date made | c 1901-1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Damaged webbing and water bottle : 131st Infantry Regiment, US Army
Description
Shrapnel damaged United States Army water bottle and ammunition belt. The base of the bottle and its slip on cup, together with its felt lined canvas cover have been shot away. The cover is stencilled in black with crossed rifles and '131 E 136'. The Mills belt is stamped on the brass section 'MILLS PATT JAN 29 1901/ MAR 29 1904/ JUL 16 1907' as well as crossed rifles and '131 E 190'.The tops of the pouches have been damaged by wear.
History / Summary
Damaged web equipment and water bottle belonging to a private of the 131st Infantry Regiment, US Army. The shell which damaged his equipment also severely wounded the soldier, who was engaged in the attack at Hamel on the morning of 4 July 1918. The equipment was collected by an Australian medical orderly. This was the first action in which US troops had served alongside Australians.