| Place | Europe: France, Picardie, Somme, Amiens Harbonnieres Area, Rosieres |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM00879 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Edged weapon or club |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | Unknown |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Scythe Blade
Description
Scythe Blade. Tapering curved steel blade with a turned back edge. The side is etched with a coat of arms followed by K.K.PRIV.OB.OST.LANDESPAB.V.P.Z and a chalis surrounded with sun rays. The short shaft is stamped with chalis, a coat of arms in a circle and KM within a square.
History / Summary
This scythe blade was taken from a German supply dump outside the villiage of Rosieres on 9 August 1918 by the 7th Battalion AIF. By this peroid of the war, both the German military and civilian population were suffering from food shortages, and food supplied to the troops was sporadic and often unpalatable. The sythe demonstrates one expedient employed by German troops - growing their own food.