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Description: | [signed] & Fine Art Trade Guild embossed stamp
text: (on tissue fly-leaf) IN A BRITISH ADVANCED OBSERVATION POST: HOW ARTILLERY FIRE IS OBSERVED AND CORRECTED
The task of observing artillery fire is one of the most difficult and trying which our soldiers have to perform. The observation post is
often located in a shattered house, almost on the point of collapse. The approach to such posts is tedious and extremely perilous. The
observation post depicted is a sand-bagged cottage, so battered by shell-fire that it trembled with every step one took. The men live in
entire isolation, without being able to move, sometimes not even to speak beyond a whisper, with difficulty keeping themselves in
equilibrium on the insecure floor; so many of these ruined houses, some fortified inside with sand-bags, others standing only by a miracle.
It is not always possible to use all the rooms because some are almost collapsing and others are much too exposed to the enemy, being
generally near the firing-line. The officers endeavour to embellish these tragic surroundings, using a few pieces of remaining furniture,
decorating the walls with war trophies, maps or with photographs of their dear ones.
A portfolio of twelve prints with printed tissue fly-leaves bearing titles and descriptions. This includes an
introduction to the work of Matania (with photograph) written by Clement K Shorter, Editor and Director, The Sphere, dated 30 September
1916. | Publisher: | http://www.iwm.org.uk | Subjects: | Communications Action Military Personnel British Army Artillery | Source: | Imperial War Museum | Creator: | Matania, Fortunino | Identifier: | http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/o... | Go to resource |
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