File:Australian8inchHowitzerFiringYpres15September1917.jpeg

At the time this photograph was taken, this battery (then the 54th Australian Siege Battery RGA in the 10th Corps) was in action at a position on the Ypres-Comines Canal near Lock 8 and covering the front of the 2nd Anzac Corps. It had taken up this position on 25 August for the Ypres offensive, having been during the months of June, July to the middle of August, in action on the Nicapori Sector. The battery then consisted of six BL 8 inch Mk VI Howitzers and was commanded by Major McDonald DSO. At the particular moment the battery was engaged in a heavy bombardment of the enemy trenches preparatory to an attack which was to be launched on the morning of 16 September. The battery occupied this position for six weeks and during that time fired about 18000 rounds. When the offensive started, the range to the front line was about 5000, but owing to the enemy retreating and the range being increased to about 6500, the battery pulled out and took up a position at Half Way House near Hellfire Corner on 6 October. Identified, left to right: T/Sergeant Cullen; Sergeant Johnson (other side of gun); Gunner Roy.