| Place | Europe: Western Front |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM07912 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Iron, Wood |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Western Front |
| Date made | c 1916-1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Improvised sign : 'B.H.Q. 1ST PIONEER BN A.I.F.'
Description
Improvised Australian sign constructed of two wooden boards with batons on the back. The notice board is painted white with black letters 'B.H.Q. 1ST PIONEER BATTN. A.I.F.' Each letter has light grey painted shadowing. The sign has some minor scuff marks and fading.
History / Summary
This sign denotes the location of the 1st Pioneer Battalion Head Quarters which was responsible for the conduct of administration, planning for the unit under the direction of the Brigade Head Quarters.
The 1st Pioneer Battalion was formed in Egypt 10 March 1916 and assigned to the First Division. They embarked for France at the end of March, arriving at Marseilles on 2 April. The battalion served in France and Belgium for the remainder of the war.
Pioneer battalions performed construction tasks in the forward area that did not require the special equipment used by engineers, such as constructing trenches and dugouts, although they occasionally acted in the engineer role on tasks such as the construction of bridges.