The body of an Australian soldier killed in the German second line, which was held throughout the ...

Place Europe: France, Nord Pas de Calais, Pas de Calais, Bethune, Fleurbaix
Accession Number A01566
Collection type Photograph
Object type Black & white - Glass copy negative
Maker Unknown
Place made France: Nord Pas de Calais, Pas de Calais, Bethune, Fleurbaix
Date made 19 July 1916-20 July 1916
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain

Public Domain Mark This item is in the Public Domain

Description

The body of an Australian soldier killed in the German second line, which was held throughout the night by the 5th Australian Division during the Battle of Fleurbaix, which was fought on the 19 and 20 July 1916. The photograph was taken on the morning of 20 July after the Germans had re-occupied their trenches and is one of a series presented Captain (Capt) Charles Mills, 31st Battalion AIF, by Hauptmann Eckart, Intelligence officer of the 6th Bavarian Division, after the Armistice in 1918. Capt Mills, Company commander of D Company, was wounded and captured during the battle and a fortuitous circumstance saw him meet his former battlefield opponent who gave him the photographs.