| Accession Number | P09147.001 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Colour - Toned black & white print |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | c 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Original grave of 4576 Private (Pte) William Edward Peagam and 2556 Corporal (Cpl) William ...
Description
Original grave of 4576 Private (Pte) William Edward Peagam and 2556 Corporal (Cpl) William Gawthorne Kidgell, both of the 12th Machine Gun Company (12th MG Coy), who were killed in action on 6 August 1916 at Pozieres. The cross was erected by Pte Peagam's brother, 4575 Private (Pte) Richard Francis Peagam also of the 12th MG Coy, and reads "Erected by his sorrowing brother". The grave is lined with shell cases and two tin helmets have been placed beside a central cross also constructed from the cooling jackets of a Maxim Light Machine Gun.
Pte William Peagam enlisted on 9 September 1915 and embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, with the 15th Battalion, 14th Reinforcements, on board HMAT Wandilla (A62). In March 1916 he was transferred to the 47th Battalion, before being taken on strength by the 12th MG Coy. Cpl Kidgell enlisted on 16 June 1915 and embarked with the 16th Battalion, 7th Reinforcements. Following service at Gallipoli and a period in hospital recovering from influenza, he was transferred to the 48th Battalion in March 1916. He served briefly with this unit before joining the 12th MG Coy where he was promoted to Corporal.