Entrenching Tool
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Entrenching tool used by 17735, Rifleman William M Smallfield, 3rd NZ Rifle Brigade, Western Front, WW1 |
British 1908 or 1911 Pattern entrenching tool as carried by New Zealand Infantry. Originally issued with a short handle of ash or hickory with a steel sleeve at the end and used with the 1908 or 1911 Pattern web set. The steel head combines a pick or mattock at one end with a shovel at the other. It was issued in two-pieces, with the handle hung from the belt and the blade in a special pouch that formed part of the webbing.
Bert Gill talks about digging in letters to his wife:
“No doubt Soph it is a rough life as they always said it was. Since writing last week have had 4 more days in the line, and old Fritz made it pretty warm for us too, am out now in the reserve for a few days. Living like rabbits, no house rent here, just dig yourself in and you are set.” Bert Gill to Sophie 9/4/1918.
“My Dear Wife,
Just got a few minuets[sic] to myself so am writing you a few lines, they told me there was no mail so it was no use writing, then they told me there was one so have to get busy. Well Soph since last writing I have been into the firing line, the front one at that. It is a perculiar[sic] sensation the first time going in puts the fear of God in your heart. Am out for a few days rest back from the line a bit. It is a great life in the trenches no doubt, a man lives like a rat, burrows a nest out for himself with a shovel, and there he gets for the night, don’t do anything but watch out, each man has his turn, gets what sleep he can.” Bert Gill to Sophie, 3.4.1918, Easter Sunday, France.
“My Dear Wife
Just scored a green envelope so will write a few more lines. We have to get our letters censored in the trenches here, stand in front of the Officer, while he reads it, no good to me. This week we are on deepening the trenches in the front line, and it is up to (shit), we have an hours work and then come home, would not be so bad but too dam far to walk.” Bert Gill to Sophie, undated.
Collection of Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira, presented by Reverend Geoffrey Smallfield, 2007.55.1
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