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How Boche blew up the houses before he left Boyelles

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How Boche blew up the houses before he left Boyelles

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This image showing the devastation at Boyelles, France, was most likely taken by the British official photographer, John Warwick Brooke. Mostly reduced to rubble, all that remains of this large brick building is a small part of the faade - offering a tantalising glimpse of its former glory. A solitary figure wearing a hat and overcoat is the only sign of life in this otherwise bleak and depressing scene...The derogatory term for the Germans, 'Boche' or 'Bosch', originates from the French slang 'alboche', which was two words 'Allemand' (German) and 'caboche' (pate, head) put together. It is possible this photograph, along with the derogatory caption, was used by the Government and Military as propaganda. To portray the Germans as 'mindless destroyers' helped to fuel anti-German feeling...[Original reads: 'OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN ON THE BRITISH WESTERN FRONT. How the Boche blew up the houses before he left Boyelles.']..digital.nls.uk/74548448 ( http://digital.nls.uk/74548448 )

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

22 Rue Principale, 62128 Boyelles, France50.20462, 2.81331
Google Map of 50.20461944444445, 2.813308333333333
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Source

National Library of Scotland
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