Accession No |
TF.010
|
Name/Title |
MACHINE GUN; MAXIM MG08 GWF SPANDAU
|
Brief Description |
This machine-gun was captured by Corporal Leslie Wilton Andrew at La Basse Ville, Belgium, during World War I. Corporal Andrew was a member of the Wellington West Coast Company in the 2nd Battalion of the Wellington Infantry Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
Andrew was in charge of a small party in an attack on the enemy position. His objective was a machine-gun post which had been located in an isolated building, but on leading his men forward he encountered another machine-gun post which was holding up the advance of another company. He immediately attacked it, capturing the gun. He then continued with his attack on the original objective and finally captured the post, killing a number of the enemy and putting the remainder to flight. Corporal Andrew was awarded a Victoria Cross for this action.
This medium machine gun is a Maxim MG08 GWF Spandau of 7.92 calibre (also known as 8 mm Mauser). It has a green-painted water jacket and detachable handle that screws into the top of the right handle of the gun.
|
Classification |
Gun, Machine/Armament T&E - Firearm/Armament T&E/T&E For Science & Technology/Nomenclature
|
Credit Line |
World War I war trophy captured by Corporal Leslie Wilton Andrew at La Basse Ville, Belgium. Corporal Andrew was awarded a Victoria Cross for this action.
|
Primary Maker |
G W F
|
Primary Prod Date |
1917
|
Primary Prod Period |
World War I 20th century
|
Primary Prod Place |
Spandau/Germany
|
Measurement Reading |
15.5 x 119.5 x 16.5cm 6.5 x 14.5 x 2.5cm
|
Signature/Marks |
3385 7071A 5491 3385/ M.G.08./ Gwf./ SPANDAU. / 1917.
|
|
|