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An Australian transport wagon, galloping along the road near Red Lodge, behind Hill 63, in Belgium, whilst the Germans were shelling the batteries of the Australian and New Zealand Artillery concentrated there for the battle of Messines, which opened on 7 June 1917. Note that enemy shelling has set fire the camouflage over the guns. The gunners may be observed endeavouring to put out the fire although the position was still being shelled.

An Australian transport wagon, galloping along the road near Red Lodge, behind Hill 63, in Belgium, whilst the Germans were shelling the batteries of the Australian and New Zealand Artillery concentrated there for the battle of Messines, which opened on 7 June 1917. Note that enemy shelling has set fire the camouflage over the guns. The gunners may be observed endeavouring to put out the fire although the position was still being shelled.
This photograph is of the 4th Pioneer Battalion New Zealand Army but it serves to illustrate the extent of preparation before the battle - this is a rehearsal conducted prior to the battle of Messines. These men are advancing towards the start line for an attack. As they approach it in columns of route, they spread out quickly into 'artillery formation' as seen here so they are less vulnerable . This photo should be viewed in conjunction with the adjacent diagram and explanation. Image from tumatauenga.webs.com

This photograph is of the 4th Pioneer Battalion New Zealand Army but it serves to illustrate the extent of preparation before the battle - this is rehearsal conducted prior to the battle of Messines. These men are advancing towards the start line for an attack. As they approach it in columns of route, they spread out quickly into 'artillery formation' as seen here so they are less vulnerable . This photo should be viewed in conjunction with the adjacent diagram and explanation. Image from tumatauenga.webs.com
This is a disturbing image of a destroyed German trench. In the foreground the limp bodies of dead German soldiers lie amidst the rubble. It is difficult to distinguish the soldiers from the chaos around them, but three bodies are clearly visible. One man, wearing a helmet, has been pushed forward by the blast and, although dead, appears to crouch forward. The entire scene is a maelstrom of mud, splintered wood and dead bodies.

This is a disturbing image of a destroyed German trench. In the foreground the limp bodies of dead German soldiers lie amidst the rubble. It is difficult to distinguish the soldiers from the chaos around them, but three bodies are clearly visible. One man, wearing a helmet, has been pushed forward by the blast and, although dead, appears to crouch forward. The entire scene is a maelstrom of mud, splintered wood and dead bodies. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Battle_of_Messines_-_destroyed_German_trench.jpg
Australian soldiers at Messines in July 1917, standing in German trenches demolished by the mine blasts.

Australian soldiers at Messines in July 1917, standing in German trenches demolished by the mine blasts. E00554 AWM
For the first time since Gallipoli, the New Zealanders attacked alongside the Australians at Messines on 7 June 1917. Here New Zealand troops watch British tanks advance towards Messines Ridge.

For the first time since Gallipoli, the New Zealanders attacked alongside the Australians at Messines on 7 June 1917. Here New Zealand troops watch British tanks advance towards Messines Ridge. E01417
Soldiers studying the large contour map specially constructed between Petit Pont and Nieppe, constructed to give the troops a knowledge of the Messines battlefield, in preparation for the battle which commenced the following morning.

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