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London battalion marching up to the trenches, Flanders
Summary
A long column of soldiers, four men wide, is marching passed the camera. As a result those at the front of the column seem to be at an odd angle. The road they are marching on is quite narrow and is lined with trees. Most of the men are looking at the camera while those at the front are smiling for the photographer. They are all uniformed (but not wearing overcoats), helmeted, armed and carrying small packs...Although the name of this battalion is not given their home town was probably London. Marching long miles in formation, although not a normal civilian activity, would be well-known amongst practised soldiers...[Original reads: 'OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN ON THE FRONT IN FRANCE. A London battalion marching up to the trenches.']..digital.nls.uk/74546620 ( http://digital.nls.uk/74546620 )
World War I (WWI or WW1), also known as the First World War, or the Great War, was a global war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918. World War I Images From National Library of Schotland. These photographs form part of the papers of Field Marshal (Earl) Haig (1861-1928), held by the National Library of Scotland. More information is available from the Library's Digital Archive. Like many World War I generals, Haig remains a controversial figure. The collection contains diaries, papers and photographs from every part of Haig’s career, the Great War diaries being of special importance to historians. Photographs in the "Official Photographs" series (which were destined for publication and have captions on the back describing the image) are in black-and-white. World War I saw the development of a system of 'official’ reporting by professionals especially recruited into the forces. Initially reluctant to allow cameras near the fighting, it took some time for the authorities to appreciate the propaganda and recording potential of photography. These photographs provide us with an invaluable record of how the Government and Military wanted the war perceived. Official photographers were encouraged to record morale-boosting scenes of victory and comradeship. Despite the restrictions placed on them, official war photographers succeeded in giving the most comprehensive visual account of the war. It is important to remember that these images were propaganda; few that could depict the war in a disheartening or disconcerting way passed the censors. As a result the photograph taken was often posed. They were intended to reassure those at home and boost morale. They were printed in newspapers, and were intended to confirm that 'Tommy' was winning the war.
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