Albert Cathedral

Depicts a view of the town of Albert, in March 1917, with the badly damaged Notre Dame de Brebières in the foreground and rows of covered trucks stationed in front of the ruin. In 1915 the Germans had bombed the church as the tower offered a strategic vantage point to the British. The tower was not completely destroyed, but the statue of the Virgin Mary was damaged and became known as the "Leaning Virgin". There was a popular legend that the war would end when she fell; her 'diving' posture inspired Australians to name her 'Fanny' for the Australian world champion swimmer Fanny Durack. In 1918 Albert was in German hands and the statue was destroyed by British artillery on 16 April to protect their soldiers from machine gunners in the tower.

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.