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Canaries who live aboard Ambulance Train to cheer wounded with song

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Canaries who live aboard Ambulance Train to cheer wounded with song

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Two nurses and their canaries posed by their train, France, during World War I. This photograph was taken at an angle down the side of the train. As a result the image is dominated by overpowering dark metal-sheeting. At two intervals along the composition nurses are leaning out of open windows. Their uniforms are clean and sharp, and they are intent on the cages they are holding. The cages are on display and hold canaries which apparently were used to alleviate the boredom of the patients...This photograph would have sent an ideal propaganda message. The implication that proper, well-organised and efficient care was provided for those at the Front would have reassured those at home. The canaries meanwhile provide a light-hearted note to the seriousness of war injuries...[Original reads: 'OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN ON THE BRITISH WESTERN FRONT IN FRANCE. Canaries who live aboard Ambulance Train to cheer wounded with song.']..digital.nls.uk/74548604 ( http://digital.nls.uk/74548604 )

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.

date_range

Date

1914
place

Location

Unnamed Road, 63160 Montmorin, France45.70618, 3.33984
Google Map of 45.70617777777778, 3.3398416666666666
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Source

National Library of Scotland
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