Z2A Medium Trench Mortar Battery

A medium trench mortar and crew in action in a farmhouse 400 yards from the German front lines. AWM EO2429

Shoulder patch

Brief History

Formed in France Trench Mortars were few in number in 1914/15. Very few were available at Gallipoli, where they and howitzers were highly valued in order to overcome 'terrain masking' whereby intervening terrain features impeded flatter trajectory field and naval guns; mortars and howitzers with their high angle fire (greater than 45 degrees) can reach over and behind intervening ridges and hills with deadly effect.

On the Western Front, weight of shell was imperative for overcoming enemy defensive positions, so medium and heavy artillery of all kinds became crucially important. Light trench mortar batteries armed with the 3 inch Stokes Mortar were formed at Brigade level. Medium and Heavy trench mortars were controlled at Divisional level and later Corps level, with the Z2A Medium Trench Mortar Battery being formed in France on 17 Apr 1916. It was disbanded on 21 Feb 1918 to be replaced by the 4th Medium Trench Mortar Battery.

Unit Personnel

• Frederick George Hodges 22 Apr 1916 - 24 Apr 1918