Digging a Hole

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by rob love

After the UK scrapped all the shovels we sent over in ww1, perhaps we didn't bother. Mr Hughes was not impressed.

But seriously, all I have seen are British entrenching tools with Canadian covers.

Ah, but Hughes' shovels were a little different. They doubled not only as a shovel but as a shield for a soldier to cover behind, complete with an oval hole for firing his rifle through. An amazingly ingenious contraption...in theory. Apparently his pretty young (civilian through and through) secretary suggested it when out for a few drinks with the boss.

[Ed Storey]

The FWW Canadian designed shovel in question was the McAdam Shovel which was issued as part of the 1915 Dismounted Pattern leather Equipment. Here is a photograph of an example which was on display at the CWM a few years ago.

IMG_0280 copy.jpg

3. 1915 Pattern Oliver - Holding Equipment 1.jpg