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Ever resourceful Tommy, Flanders

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Ever resourceful Tommy, Flanders

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Summary

Soldier collecting snow to melt for water, Western Front. In this photograph, a British soldier is shown filling a small mess tin with snow. The original caption explains that he was about to melt the snow to get some water, as the Germans had poisoned the water supply in the area. This was a common tactic of the Germans when they were forced to retreat. It not only demoralised the Allies, but created practical difficulties for them...The letters RE on the soldier's left shoulder suggest he was a Royal Engineer. By his cuff he has a good conduct chevron and a single wound stripe...[Original reads: 'The ever resourceful Tommy. As the Huns have poisoned all water, Tommy makes snow answer his purpose.']..digital.nls.uk/74549290 ( http://digital.nls.uk/74549290 )

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

France, 43340 Saint-Christophe-d'Allier, France44.83792, 3.69429
Google Map of 44.837922222222225, 3.694288888888889
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Source

National Library of Scotland
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