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Group of German Red Cross men taken in the new push
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Members of the German Red Cross who have been taken prisoner, during World War I. This image shows members of the German Red Cross who have been taken prisoner. It is a posed shot and, surprisingly, many of the men are smiling and look happy. Perhaps members of the Red Cross were treated better as prisoners due to their medical expertise. Two of the men are bandaged, but do not look seriously wounded. They all wear Red Cross armbands on the left arm. ..This image would make better anti-German propaganda if the prisoners of war were not Red Cross. If they had been soldiers it is likely that the observer would feel less sympathy with them...[Original reads: 'OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH FROM THE WESTERN FRONT. Group of German Red Cross men taken in the new push.']..digital.nls.uk/74545940 ( http://digital.nls.uk/74545940 )
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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