A Canadian 6-inch howitzer supports British troops in the attack on Thiepval on 16 July 1916 during the Somme offensive. The artist captures the exhaustion of the gunners, who appear to have been firing for hours. Prolonged exposure to the noise and shock artillery fire would rupture ear drums and ruin hearing. Most gunners suffered at least partial deafness as a result of their war service.
Painted by Captain Kenneth Keith Forbes
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-0142
Canada and the First World War
