| Place | Europe: Belgium, Flanders, West-Vlaanderen, Ypres, Hill 60 |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM11651 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Munition component |
| Physical description | Bakelite, Brass, Copper |
| Location | Main Bld: First World War Gallery: Western Front 1917: Tunnellers at Hill 60 |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | c. 1917 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Throw Over Switch: Hill 60, Captain O H Woodward, 1 Australian Tunneling Company, AIF
Description
Double pole throw over switch used to detonate the Hill 60 mines.
History / Summary
Captain Oliver Holmes Woodward gained national recognition in 2010 when his memoirs formed the basis of the movie 'Beneath Hill 60'.
As Commander of No. 2 Section of the 1st Tunnelling Company, it was his responsibility to throw the switch which detonated the mines under Hill 60 on the 7th June 1917. Two of the 19 huge explosions signalled the opening of the Battle of Messines. Woodward was awarded the Military Cross three times and survived the war.