| Accession Number | P07670.014 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Film copy negative |
| Maker |
Nenke, Robert Willie |
| Place made | France: Picardie, Contalmaison |
| Date made | c 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
"Ruins Contalmaison". This inscription was recorded on the back of the original photograph by the ...
Description
"Ruins Contalmaison". This inscription was recorded on the back of the original photograph by the photographer. Three Australian soldiers, probably from the 46th Battalion, are inspecting the ruined French village. The men are probably on leave, or perhaps their battalion is resting in reserve close by as they are not armed, wearing steel helmets or carry gas masks. This photograph is one of a series taken by Cpl Nenke, or with his camera. Cpl Nenke was a despatch rider in the 1st Divisional Signal Company (1DSC). Soldier photographers taking photographs in active service areas in France or Belgium are rare, as discovery usually resulted in Court Martial. It is considered that this photograph was among the personal effects of 3120 Sergeant N M Pontin, who served in the 14th and 46th Battalion, and repatriated to his next-of-kin in Australia, after he was killed in action on 11 April 1917. Cpl Nenke was also killed in action on 10 August 1918.