| Place | Europe: France, Picardie, Somme, Amiens Harbonnieres Area, Hamel Area, Hamel |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM00787.001 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Communications equipment |
| Physical description | Steel |
| Location | Main Bld: First World War Gallery: Western Front 1918: Hamel |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | c 1916-1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
German spigot message rocket launcher (Signalwerfer): 44 Battalion, Hamel 1918
Description
Communication rocket launcher stand made from steel. The stand consists of a steel shaft with a sheet metal launching cup at the top and a spike for securing into the soil. A spring loaded percussion bolt is attached underneath the launching cup which fires a balistite cartridge that ignites the signal rocket propellant. The launcher stand is painted black. There are no markings.
History / Summary
Spigot message rocket launcher used by the 44th Battalion Australian Imperial Forces during the fighting at Hamel on 4th July 1918. Donated by Corporal Bolard, 44th Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces. A similar launcher was captured at Amessines in 1917, and was described and drawn in the war diary of Headquarters, 36th Heavy Artillery Group, AWM 4 13/25/17 Part 3 folio 104.