| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART02231 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | sheet: 55.5 x 45 cm; image: 55.5 x 45 cm |
| Object type | Work on paper |
| Physical description | charcoal, brush and ink on paper |
| Place made | Belgium |
| Date made | 1 August 1917 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
The mate (In memory of W..., Machine Gun Company, Messines Ridge)
Description
Depicts an Australian soldier carving a cross with an ornate rising sun for his fallen mate. Dyson witnessed this event on August 1st, 1917 on Messines Ridge, near Ypres in Belgium. Will Dyson was the first Australian official war artist to visit the front during the First World War, travelling to France in December 1916, remaining there until May 1917, making records of the Australian involvement in the war. He was formally appointed as an official war artist, attached to the AIF, in May 1917, working in France and London throughout the war. His commission was terminated in March 1920.