| Place | Europe: France, Nord Pas de Calais, Nord, Lille, Armentieres |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM07612 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Metal |
| Location | Main Bld: First World War Gallery: Western Front 1916: Fromelles/Nursery Sector |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | c. 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Damaged camp kettle: 20th Battalion, AIF
Description
Damaged and rusted British Army pattern camp kettle.
History / Summary
Damaged on the night of the 5th May 1916 when the 20th Battalion was holding a sector of the front line trenches and salient at Bois Grenier, near Armentieres. The Germans laid down a large bombardment which lasted for two hours on the part of the sector held by the battalion. This was the first time the AIF came under heavy bombardment in France. The casualties amounted to aprooximately 150 men. During the bombardment the camp kettle was struck by a shell. Unfortunately, two stokes mortars were captured by the Germans along with an officer and number of men from the 20th Battalion. The Battalion CO was relieved of command and returned to Australia, while two other officers were court martialled in relation to the loss of the mortars.