Summary

One of 108 images in an album from World War I likely to have been taken by Captain Edward Albert McKenna. The album contains photographs of the 7th Battalion in Egypt.

Image of a 12 Pounder gun on a Canal Dredge. According to the inscription this image was taken at Taussoum, an Egyptian settlement near Ismalia.

The album relates to the service of Captain Edward Albert McKenna. McKenna, born in Castlemaine, Victoria, was a 36-year-old department manager of soft goods when he enlisted on 17 August 1914. He lived at 5 St James Buildings, William Street, Melbourne, and had been married to Elizabeth ('Lillie') Mary McKenna since 1910. He embarked from Melbourne 19 October 1914 on the HMAT Hororata, and served in the 7th Battalion Australian Infantry.

He was killed in action in Gallipoli around 25-30 April 1915, aged 37. His kit bag was unusually full, even containing seven shirts, a pillow, six towels, a travelling rug, gumboots, and pyjamas and slippers. Also amongst his possessions was a camera, although no photographic prints or albums.

He was buried at 7 Lone Pine Cemetery, Gallipoli. His details appear on the honours roll on the web page of the Australian War Memorial.

Description of Content

A large twelve pound gun either being off loaded or loaded onto a dredge on the canal. Four uniformed British soldiers stand to the right of the gun, posing for the camera. To the left of the gun another three men stand, possible all local Egyptians. Behind the dredge the men are standing on, other boats and dredges are visible sitting stationary on the canal.

Physical Description

Black and white photographic print on paper with a white border.

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