A series of photographs relating to the Launceston Volunteer Artillery Company from its formation in June 1860, through its later designations as the No. 1. Battery (Launceston), Australian Field Artillery, the 15th Battery, 40th Battery, 9th Field Battery (AIF), 16th Field Battery, 17th Field Battery (AIF) and 6th Field Brigade, Australian Field Artillery.

Members of the Launceston Volunteer Artillery pose with two Armstrong RBL 40 pounder guns during training exercises. Identified fifth from left, standing next to a sitting woman is Colonel George Thomas Collins VD, Commanding officer of the Company. Identified centre, in front of the blurred Union Jack is Lieutenant George Edward Harrap, who would later assume the position of commanding officer of the company in 1902. Identified far right with a beard is Sergeant Major Francis Martini, whose name “F. Martini” is written in pencil on the verso of the image. Martini was known as “The father of the battery” and “Grand Old Man of the corps”, a reference to his long service with the Launceston Volunteer Artillery Company from its formation in June 1860, and through its later designation as the No. 1. Battery (Launceston), Australian Field Artillery. Sergeant Major Francis Martini died in 7 May 1916 aged 82.