Greetings Phil,
I believe Willmore has correctly identified the shells’ type. Interestingly, I found this article by the unit’s commander The 2nd Division A. E. F. — 2nd Trench Mortar Battery which indicates the unit actually were issued medium mortars (Mortier de 58 mm type 2) for frontline’s use.
As such, my supposition is the image of Private Lindsey holding those two larger TM’s round was likely taken while the unit was being trained-up at the First Corps (Trench Mortar) School, located at Gondrecourt, France.
Additionally, the simple fact he is wearing a campaign hat implies he is not “at the front” during the photograph’s taking. While at the school, the battery would have been trained on a variety of French Trench Mortars’ systems, which is (likely) why he’s showing off the two “big ones” for the Signal Corp’s Photographer who originally took the photo. Being in a rear area’s training center also would have allowed him to wear his campaign hat without getting grief from his NCOs for doing so (this was a common practice before enough overseas caps were issued).
Best,
V/r Lance
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