| Accession Number | P02333.004 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white |
| Physical description | Black & white |
| Maker |
Bob H. Photography |
| Place made | Australia: New South Wales, Sydney |
| Date made | c.1971 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
One of the three electrical switches that officers of the 1st Australian Tunnelling Company used ...
Description
One of the three electrical switches that officers of the 1st Australian Tunnelling Company used to detonate the massive explosive charge in a mine under Hill 60 which completely destroyed the German front line at the northern end of Messines Ridge on 1917-06-07. The switch is mounted on a wooden base with a commemorative brass plaque fixed to it. The plaque reads: 'One of the three switches through which the current passed which fired the two huge mines under Hill 60 on 7th June 1917. Presented to the Imperial Service Club Sydney by J. MacD. Royle, late Lieut. 1st Australian Tunnelling Company.' Royle himself had been responsible for closing one of the two auxiliary switches that detonated the explosives. (Donor J. MacD. Royle) (Compare image P02333.003) (Original print held in AWM Archive Store. Formerly 3DRL 5059)