Half Past Eleven Square, Armentieres

Depicts the central square and buildings in the Northern French town of Armentieres, with a small group of soldiers in the foreground. From April until October 1918, Armentieres was occupied by the Germans and was entirely rebuilt after being destroyed the First World War. The title refers to the clock tower, which had been shelled with the clock stopping at 11.30am. Born in South Melbourne, Corporal Henry Joseph Sennett served with the 10th Brigade Headquarters (39th Infantry Battalion) , AIF , in France during the First World War. Sennett completed a number of drawings and watercolour's during his First World War service, mostly completed during 1917-18 on the Somme. He also served as a draughtsman and confidential clerk to General Monash at the 3rd Division Headquarters. Prior to his service, Sennett had attended the National Gallery of Victoria school and exhibited his artworks in Melbourne during the 1920s.