| Accession Number | E03579 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Glass original half plate negative |
| Maker |
Unknown Australian Official Photographer |
| Place made | France: Picardie, Aisne, St Quentin |
| Date made | 9 October 1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
The northern entrance to the St Quentin Canal Tunnel, a famous section of the Hindenburg Defence ...
Description
The northern entrance to the St Quentin Canal Tunnel, a famous section of the Hindenburg Defence System between Bellicourt and Vendhuilles. Barges, similar to those seen moored at the entrance, were used by the Germans to billet a number of men in the Tunnel, where they were safe from shellfire, but living in darkness under damp and noisy conditions. Much more accommodation was found in dugouts along the east side of the spoil bank over the canal. Some of these were elaborately fitted and had entrances concealed by houses many yards away as well as those from the tow path of the canal. The whole of this huge fortress was captured by American and Australian troops in the fighting between 29 September and 1 October 1918.