| Place | Europe: France, Picardie, Somme, Amiens Harbonnieres Area, Hamel Area, Vaire |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM07332 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Firearm |
| Physical description | Metal |
| Location | Main Bld: First World War Gallery: Western Front 1918: Hamel |
| Maker |
Vickers Ltd |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Vickers Mk 1 Medium Machine Gun damaged at Vaire Wood: 4 Machine Gun Company, AIF
Description
Battle Damaged Vickers Mk 1 Machine Gun. Bent barrel and the front section of the fluted jacket has been blown off. The spade grips and the rear sight are damaged. The feed mechanism is missing. Damaged at Vaire Wood and used by the 4th Machine Gun Company AIF.
History / Summary
This gun was employed in the attack on Vaire Wood sector on 4 July 1918 and was employed for the defence of a strong post held by the 13th Battalion. During the enemy barrage on the next evening which preceeded their counter attack, a 77 mm shell fell into the machine gun pit and reduced the gun to its present condition. Although the gun was damaged, the shell left the whole crew unhurt. The parts missing from the gun were never found. A small portion of the barrel casing of this gun was removed on 12 October 1926, to form part of a memorial lamp at the Bondi Sub Branch of the Returned Soldiers Sailors Imperial League of Australia.