| Place | Europe: France, Picardie, Somme, Corbie Albert Area, Vaux |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART02227 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | sheet: 40.2 x 54.4 cm (irreg.); image: 39 x 54 cm |
| Object type | Work on paper |
| Physical description | charcoal on paper |
| Place made | France: Vaux-sur-Somme |
| Date made | 1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Early morning near Vaux
Description
Depicts a British 6 inch B.L. Gun stationed near Vaux, to provide heavy artillery support to the infantry. These guns had a firing range of between 12.5 and 17 kilometres so they could be well back from the front lines. Planning was essential to their effective use, as they required significant logistical support to move, taking 6 hours and 27 lorries and 2 steam tractors to get the gun into action.
Will Dyson was the first Australian official war artist to visit the front during the First World War, travelling to France in December 1916, remaining there until May 1917, making records of the Australian involvement in the war. He was formally appointed as an official war artist, attached to the AIF, in May 1917, working in France and London throughout the war. His commission was terminated in March 1920.