WAR TROPHIES

Patea Mail, Volume XLIII, 20 June 1919, Page 2

WAR TROPHIES

FOR DOMINION MUSEUM A number of war trophies and other exhibits for the war section of the Dominion Museum have recently come to hand; but, unfortunately, the space at the disposal of the museum authorities docs not permit of their being exhibited to advantage. Among the trophies arc six field guns captured from the Turks by the NewZealand cavalry iii the- battles of the Jordan Valley. Five of them are of an old type, about the period of the Franco-Prussian War, their breechblocks arc cither damaged or missing ; but one, dated Dusscldorf, 1914, is well up to date, and its breech is in good order. Three machine guns, all in good order, have also been received. The Government has secured, too, from London, the wheel that steered H.M.S. Now Zealand throughout tho Battle of Jutland, the flagpole on which flew the Admiral 's flag, the two silk Hags (the Ensign and the Union Jack) flown by the New Zealand during thd battle, and the ship's bell.

Other very interesting exhibits are the relief map that was used at tho Battle of Messincs, showing Vimy Ridge, Hill 03, etc., and the relief map of the Gallipoli Peninsula. The complete service equipment of an American soldier is also on view. The equipment comprises uniform, greatcoat, tunic," leather jerkin, pants, marching boots and field booU canvas leggings, leather gloves, puttues, web equipment, rifle, bayonet, etc. feature of the equipment is an aluminium frying-pan which, with a plato for a cover, and knife and for inside, shuts up into a very small space. The water bottle fits into a canvas bag fitted with a metal receptacle, which also serves us a mug or as a basin for soup, etc.