Summary

Alternative Name(s): Field Glasses, Binocular.

British binoculars, prismatic, World War I-era. Made in 1916 by W. Watson and Sons, London, model no. 3, Mk 1. The binoculars were found by Sergeant A. G. Mitchell in the mud of the battlefield at Bullecourt, France, in April 1917. Considered a souvenir of the Somme, the binoculars were sent home to his mother, Mrs A. Mitchell, 8 Stanley Road, South Yarra.

Aubrey Gamaliel (sometimes spelt Gamliel or Gamabel) Mitchell was a 31-year-old engine driver from Bendigo when he enlisted to serve in World War I on 17 July 1915 - service no. 3429. He served in the 4th Australian Division Traffic Control Detachment and was recommended for the Military Medal in 1917, then was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 1918. He was gassed in France, and was discharged on 26 January 1920, medically unfit. Aubrey died in 1978, three weeks before his 94th birthday.

Physical Description

Binoculars with leather case.

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