Studies for the oil painting, 'The 42nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders of Canada, in action at Sanctuary Wood, 1916'

Charcoal and wash sketches from a sketchbook by William Barns Wollen (1857-1936), 1917 (c).

The sketches depict men of the 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada), Canadian Expeditionary Force, in action, wearing kilts, on the Western Front during World War One (1914-1918). In the first half of June 1916, the Battle of Mount Sorrel was fought near the town of Ypres. Canadian forces bore the brunt of a fierce German assault. Sanctuary Wood was the scene of bloody fighting at close quarters. The 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) were part of a reserve force brought in to hold the line and counterattack the Germans.