Lives of the First World War

Number 415 R.Smart, 26th Australian Battalion states:- At the Grenade and Stokes Mortar School, 2nd Army, Terdeghem on September 23rd, I paraded with the Stokes Mortar Wing at 11:30am to take part in a tactical exercise which we carried out in conjuction with the Grenade Wing of the school. About 12:15pm, I was acting as Number 1 to the mortar immediately on the left of the one which exploded. I heard L/Sgt Parsons repeat the order to fire and I saw number 2 place a shell in the mortar. A premature explosion occurred as soon as it was fired. I saw several people laying on the ground wounded. Lieutenant Porter, an officer Instructor, who was himself wounded sent me at once to report for a doctor.

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