| Place | Middle East: Ottoman Empire, Turkey, Dardanelles, Gallipoli |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/16931 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Firearm |
| Place made | Ottoman Empire: Turkey |
| Date made | Unknown |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Turkish Signal Pistol : Farrier Sergeant John Thornhill Belcher, 5th Light Horse Regiment, AIF
Description
Turkish single shot break open breech loading flare pistol with numerous Turkish Arabic inscriptions on barrel near the breach. The pistol frame also has Turkish inspection marks inscribed. Barrel made from brass and the frame is steel. Black plastic grip with the manufacturer's mark of a H within a diamond in the top quarter. The lanyard ring is missing from the butt.
History / Summary
This flare pistol was captured on Gallipoli by 592 Farrier Sergeant John Thornhill Belcher of A Squadron, 5th Light Horse Regiment, AIF. He enlisted in Brisbane, Queensland, on 10 November 1914 and returned to Australia on 15 November 1918. Born in Stratford, Taranaki, New Zealand, Belcher had previously served in the Boer War with the 8th New Zealand contingent. He died in 1946.