| Place | Europe: France, Picardie, Somme, Amiens |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL34588 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Optical equipment |
| Physical description | Brass, Glass, Steel |
| Maker |
Goerz, Berlin |
| Place made | Germany, Germany: Berlin |
| Date made | c 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Rbl. F. 16 Artillery Sight : Bombardier G S Duke, 31 Battery, 8 Field Artillery Brigade, AIF
Description
Optical artillery sight for use on First World War German field guns. The sight is made from machined steel, brass and optical quality glass. The sight components are screwed together using slotted head and pin slot screws. The sight has controls for windage and elevation marked on brass rotary drums. The dial characters are etched in black and red. The sight has a gloss blued finish Markings - GESICHTSFELD 10 DEGREES; VERGR. 4X; C P GOERZ, BERLIN
History / Summary
The Goerz 4x light artillery sight was a standard optical artillery sight used on many German 75 mllimeter and 77 millimeter light field guns. This type of artillery sight was used on all fronts the German forces were engaged on. This sight was captured by 19974 Bombardier George Samson Duke 31 Battery, 8 Field Artillery Brigade near Amiens on 8 August 1918. Duke was a 19 year old student when he enlisted on 17 February 1916. On 20 May 1916 he embarked for Europe on board HMAT Medic from Melbourne. On 9 September 1918 Duke was accidently wounded. He had been building a shelter for their subsection with Bombardier Norman McKinnon. While walking across the railway line between the shelter and the gun park he came across the fuse cap. He attempted to throw it clear of the railway line, but it exploded, wounding him. He received wounds to his shins, left ankle, right side of his groin and chest. He departed engalnd for Australia on 24 December 1918.