Shrapnel and shell fragments accounted for a large proportion of those killed and wounded in WW1. Those blown into the ether by high explosive to one side, artillery accounted for around 70% of casualties. These six balls were recovered from the Thiepval Redoubt on the Somme and are German in origin. Thiepval was a slaughterhouse on the first day of the attack and, despite early success, took a savage pounding from German counter-fire.
The Battle of Thiepval. The view looking toward Thiepval on morning of attack and showing German barrage. (IWM)
This little item is terrifically tough to find. It’s the adapter for the MP-18/I designed to allow the 32 round drum magazine (snail drums) to fit. Not quite WW2 but since I have a trommel drum and I am looking for an MP-18, it’s a case of hook it when you see it. The MP18 was originally designed with a 20 round box magazine however the Army procurement organization insisted that the weapon be made compatible with the TM08 trommels which were common due to their issue for the LP08 pistol. This required this spacer adapter to be slid onto the snail drum to prevent it being pushed to far into the receiver of the MP18.
Kiwi Medals 