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Grande Place in Bethune showing the clock tower in the foreground and the church tower in the background

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Grande Place in Bethune showing the clock tower in the foreground and the church tower in the background

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Bethune town centre with its clock tower and shell-damaged buildings, France, during World War I. The shell damage that was caused to the Picardie town of Bethune, during the fighting that took place as part of the German Spring Offensive in April 1918. In addition to the obvious damage on the roofs of the buildings, many of the shutters and windows have also been hit by artillery shells and gunfire. Structural debris can be seen lying on the ground. ..As Bethune was the main railway base for the Allies, it was vital that the Allies held on to the town. An offensive on the town took place as part of the German Spring Offensive in April 1918, and this massive attack almost succeeded. However, a last-minute flanking movement by a British force saved the day, although the town suffered terrible bomb damage during the fighting...[Original reads: 'OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN ON THE BRITISH WESTERN FRONT IN FRANCE. The Grande Place in Bethune showing the clock tower in the foreground and the church tower in the background.']..digital.nls.uk/74549070 ( http://digital.nls.uk/74549070 )

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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Date

1914
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Source

National Library of Scotland
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