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Halting to refresh the horses in a stream
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This is a rather unusual photograph, in that it is not clear if these mounted soldiers actually belong to a cavalry regiment. With their infantry rifles and full kit, they look more like infantry soldiers on horseback than members of a traditional cavalry regiment. It could be that they are former cavalry officers who have joined an infantry regiment. Many cavalrymen did this once it became clear that cavalry offensives would not work on the Western Front. ..In 1914, cavalry regiments formed a large part of all the armies involved in the conflict. Cavalry attacks would pierce a hole in the opposing line of defence, into which the cavalry would gallop to cause havoc behind enemy lines. However, the deadly combination of barbed wire, machine guns, artillery, rifle fire and mines, meant that cavalry attacks were no longer feasible as an attacking strategy...[Original reads: 'OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN ON THE BRITISH WESTERN FRONT IN FRANCE. Halting to refresh the horses in a stream.']..digital.nls.uk/74548940 ( http://digital.nls.uk/74548940 )
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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