Captured German guns awaiting distribution

This watercolour by depicts German guns set before the Melbourne skyline, awaiting dispersal. Following the official conclusion of the First World War, weapons captured from German, Austria/Hungary and Turkish forces were distributed amongst the allied nations as reminders of the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers involved. In June 1919, a minister of the Australian government announced that the captured weapons, including German guns that were transported back to Australia, would be distributed around the country. They were to honour and recognise the sacrifices and contributions of community members in the war. By March 1920 the Minister for Home and Territories announced that applications had been received from about one thousand localities and that four hundred and fifty guns and trench mortars, and two thousand machine guns were available for immediate distribution.