Hello, Does anyone know the village (town or city) where this horrid war photo was taken. ... Belgium? Northern France?.... A charred corpse (most likely of a gunner) is lying in front of the exploded artillery tractor. Did it hit a mine? Any help identifying this photo would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Dirk
No clues with the photo, Dirk ? Something about it says 'Belgium' to me but I can't really place the building style to a specific location. There looks to be bomb damage to the upper elevation of the building. Odd though that windows are missing there but the (former ?) shopfront appears undamaged at street level.
Thanks Rich, I to do think that judging by the archtectural features the photograph was most likely taken in Belgium. Perhaps a town situated West of the river Dender or West of the river Schelde, or even near the Belgian coast. Regards, Dirk
Any other details on this photo? It appears to be a CMP vs a Morris but that isn't possible if this confirmed as a BEF picture.
It looks like a mine strike or did these vehicles carry ammunition? I'm wondering if there was a shell inside that has exploded as a result of a fire? I'm no expert but looks more like Belgium than France. Dirk, I can share it on my Facebook page if you like? There's some clever folk on there that may be able to shed more light on this image. Cheers Andy
Looking at the exit damage of the explosion it has come from inside the vehicle so my guess also is ammunition exploding inside. I believe they did carry some shells . If it was a mine would there not be a crater underneath ?
I noticed the following photo posted by Keith (morrisc8) on "Dunkirk 1940. Inland France & Belgium. Photos, some never seen before." post 313 In the left of his photo that same destroyed house (with shopfront) and exploded artillery tractor are seen. Regards, Dirk
Good spot, Dirk, The roof style of the single-storey house in the middle is typical from Poperinge, south into French Flanders. The grassed area doesn't remind me of anywhere though...but it's clearly an area that wasn't flattened during the Great War.
Re #9 above "Each troop consisted of three or four officers and 60 ‘other ranks’, who were equipped with four guns and six Quads, two of which were used to haul the ammunition". ( 67th Field Regt 1939 - Roger Day Ramsbury at War). I am sure that some of the forum vehicle enthusiasts will lay hands on documents specifying how many rounds could be carried in the Quad, plus of course whatever might actually be carried under wartime battle conditions. A deeply discomforting photo, let the victim be. May he Rest in Peace.
The second photo is very useful in that it shows two destroyed tractors both with 18/25 pdrs on tow which could help identify the unit as no AOS are visible. There is considerable damage to the street of houses but it seems neither limber nor guns were hit and the houses are not ablaze so the scenario is not clear. The unfortunate casualty may not necessarily be a member of the crew as the exact circumstances are unclear.