7.7 cm Shell case : German Army

Place Europe: Western Front
Accession Number REL34260
Collection type Technology
Object type Munition
Physical description Brass
Maker Haniel Luege
Place made Germany
Date made July 1917
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Expended shell case from a German 77mm field gun. The case is unmarked, but stamps on the base read 'St G 159 JULI 1917 67%Cu. HL 25'.

History / Summary

This shell case is associated with William Earnest McGann who was born at Chiltern, Victoria. He was working as an engine-cleaner when he enlisted in the AIF on 16 February 1915 aged 22. McGann received the service number 196 and embarked as a private with A Company, 23 Battalion. Private McGann served on Gallipoli, but was evacuated sick in September 1915. He later returned to duty with 8 Field Company, Engineers in France with the regimental number 4551 and was with that unit when the war ended. He returned to Australia on 19 June 1919.