GarlandMortarAWM2005

Photograph of Garland Mortar used by Australians in the Battle of Gallipoli, 1915. At the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.

Australian War Memorial exhibit ID Number: RELAWM07849

Physical description: Garland pattern, smooth bore, trench mortar with fixed barrel set at approximately 45 degrees. The barrel is made from non ordnance tempered steel which is attached to a wooden block that acts as a mortar base plate. A range table made from brass is attached to the wooden base plate with graduations in yards. The barrel has a dark brown finish. The wooden base plate has been painted with varnish but is well worn. There is some corrosion on the barrel and metal parts. The base plate has impact handling marks on its surface. There are no manufacturers markings on the mortar.

Measurements: Height of mortar: 370 (mm); Length of mortar: 400 (mm); Width of mortar: 200 (mm)

Summary: The improvised Garland mortar was used by Australian forces during the Gallipoli Campaign during the First World War. This improvised 65 mm trench mortar was apparently used in the Australian Trenches at Lone Pine, Gallipoli. It was recovered in January 1919 on Lone Pine when CEW Bean returned to Gallipoli with the Australian Historical Mission. There are a number of components which are missing from this object. The records indicate that a part of this item was sent to Army Salvage in 1945, the item being deaccessioned on 1st October 1945.

Steve Johnson's cyber-heritage website http://www.cyberheritage.com/australianwarmemorial/IMG_3472.JPG