| Accession Number | REL51581 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Trench Art |
| Physical description | Brass, Graphite, Nickel-plated brass |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United Kingdom: England |
| Date made | c 1917 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Source credit to | This item has been digitised with funding provided by Commonwealth Government. |
Propelling pencil in the shape of a bullet: Lance Corporal Hercules George Leard, 34 Battalion, AIF
Description
Propelling pencil in the shape of a .303 bullet, the brass cartridge case marked on the base 'KN 14/ VII' (which appears genuine), surmounted by a 'bullet' which forms the base of a small propelling pencil.
History / Summary
Propelling pencil used by Hercules George Leard, born and raised at Kars Springs, near Scone, NSW. Leard was 19 years old and working as a labourer when he enlisted with 34 Battalion under service number 1848 on 17 April 1916. After initial training in England he joined his battalion in France in January 1917. He was wounded in action on 7 May and returned to his unit on 25 June after treatment. After a bout of gastritis, inflamed stomach and conjunctivitis (all trench-bound illnesses) in July 1917, he was appointed lance corporal in late October. He was killed in action sometime between 3 and 5 April 1918 outside Villers-Brettoneaux. He is buried at the Villers-Brettoneaux Memorial.