The World's Largest Public Domain Media Search Engine
Observers in the basket with telephones and maps

Similar

Observers in the basket with telephones and maps

description

Summary

Two soldiers in an observation balloon's basket, France, during World War I. An image like this may have been used to emphasize Britain's scientific superiority and the calibre of the Army's staff. The men in this photograph, however, do not appear to be very happy. Whether this is due to being photographed, the situation they are going into or for more personal reasons will now never be known...[Original reads: 'OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN ON THE BRITISH WESTERN FRONT IN FRANCE. R.F.A. kite balloons are the eyes of our guns in France. The observers are highly trained men & when their balloons are shelled or attacked by enemy aircraft they are forced to make rapid descents in parachutes. These parachutes must be kept in perfect working order. Observers in the basket with telephones and maps.']..digital.nls.uk/74548638 ( http://digital.nls.uk/74548638 )

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

create

Source

National Library of Scotland
copyright

Copyright info

No known copyright restrictions

Explore more

nls dodid 74548638
nls dodid 74548638