| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM32269 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Trench Art |
| Physical description | Brass; Wood |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Pacific Islands: Solomon Islands, Bougainville |
| Date made | 1942 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Trench art mass gong : Chaplain William Fahy
Description
Polished brass mass gong made from a Japanese mortar shell. A circular hole has been made in the middle of the top and two rounded brackets are soldered opposite each other on the inside. The outside has been engraved after the war with 'JAPANESE MORTAR SHELL/CASE Used as Mass Gong by Army Chaplains in NEW GUINEA and Bougainville 1942-1945. Presented by Chaplain Willliam Fahy'. There is also a carved wooden mallet with a rounded top for ringing the gong.
History / Summary
This gong was made in Bougainville in 1942 by an Australian soldier and used during mass there and in New Guinea by a number of chaplains including Father Harry Reid and the Right Reverend William Fahy.