A shell casing for a 3 pound gun, stamped December and with a serial number. It has been beautifully carved with a peace lily by a soldier in the trenches.
George Albert Johnson joined the Sherwood Foresters and was one of 3 brothers in the regiment. He was the only one to survive with his brothers buried somewhere in France. During the Battle of the Somme, he won a medal for gallantry while storming a machine gun post. He brought 2 shell casings back with him from Somme, his grandson Paul Stokoe has one and his granddaughter has the other. Paul's shell casing is carved with a peace lily. This is an example of the trench art that was made in trenches to pass the time by soldiers while waiting to fight. Paul is unsure whether his granddad carved the shell or acquired if from someone else.

Shell casing carved with a peace lily found by George Albert Johnson
Other
Trench Life
Artillery
This is a shell casing for a 3 pound gun taken from the Somme region, probably during the Battle of the Somme. It has been carved with a peace lily and turned into trench art. George Albert Johnson, of the Sherwood Foresters brought it back to England as a reminder of his participation in the battle.