This artefact is a trench art knife. This knife, which is currently on display in the “A is for ANZAC: Two Armies, a Shared History” exhibition, has been made from a single piece of shrapnel. The blade is flattened out but the handle section is in its original “raw” condition.
The knife was brought back to New Zealand by 15/67 Donald Archibald McCurdy, NZEF Headquarters. Sergeant Donald McCurdy, originally from Wellington, enlisted when war broke out and embarked from Wellington on 16 October 1914 aboard the troopship Maunganui bound for Egypt.
Donald was involved in administration for the HQ, including time with the NZ Army Postal Services. He saw service in Egypt, Gallipoli and on the Western Front, discharging in 1920 with the rank of Major. He was awarded the MBE, which was upgraded to an OBE “In recognition of valuable services rendered in connection to the war.”
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