King & Queen and H.R.H. The Prince of Wales
King George V, Queen Mary and H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, taken during a visit to the Western Front in France. They are positioned in front of a large brick building with French windows. The King and Queen are ... More
Decorating a doll they found left by villagers in the retreat
This photograph shows a group of soldiers looking at an abandoned porcelain doll. The shoulder marks on several of their uniforms show them to be members of the Royal Field Artillery. The HD symbol painted on t... More
Prince of Siam visiting the British front
The Prince of Siam standing next to a group of high ranking military officials. According to the photograph's original caption they are visiting a trench mortar school. They are standing next to a trench. The t... More
His Eminence inspecting the Dublin Fusiliers Brigade
Cardinal Bourne inspecting the Dublin Fusiliers Brigade. The inspection is taking place in a large grassy field. The men are lined up smartly in their ranks, with the officers standing at the front. All of the ... More
Officer judging the special competition
A young cavalryman poses for the camera next to two horses. He is holding both sets of reins. Another man, possibly a judge, stands close by. Horse shows were not organised purely for recreational purposes. The... More
Cooking dinner amid the ruins of Thilloy, near Bapaume, Flanders
Two soldiers making themselves comfortable in the ruins of a shattered house. One man is cooking on a tin-can brazier, while the other stands watching and smoking. Their kit is hung on the wall behind. A third ... More
Spanish Officers see a general view of the shell-pocked ground
Spanish officers visit the Western Front, during World War I. Six men make their way down a fairly steep but not long slope, towards a churned up, muddy stretch of land. The ground is filled with shell holes, i... More
General Sir Henry Rawlinson (left) chats with a French War Corresponde...
General Henry Rawlinson with a French war correspondent. Three men stand in a half-circle, chatting. They appear relaxed and smiling. They are well dressed with heavy coats but also mud bespattered. The town sq... More
Tommies at dinner, Flanders during World War I
This relaxed photograph is thought to have been taken by the official war photographer, John Warwick Brooke. The soldiers in this image appear a little worse for wear and are having to sit directly on the cold ... More
![Gal. Joffre et le Gal. Douglas Haig [General Joffre and General Haig]](https://cache.getarchive.net/Prod/thumb/cdn2/L3RodW1ibmFpbC8xOTE0LzEyLzMxL2dhbC1qb2ZmcmUtZXQtbGUtZ2FsLWRvdWdsYXMtaGFpZy1nZW5lcmFsLWpvZmZyZS1hbmQtZ2VuZXJhbC1oYWlnLTIwMC5qcGc%3D/40/40/webp "Gal. Joffre et le Gal. Douglas Haig [General Joffre and General Haig]")
Gal. Joffre et le Gal. Douglas Haig [General Joffre and General Haig]
Haig and Joffre at Chantilly, France, 1915. Field Marshal (Earl) Haig (1861-1928) and the French general Joseph Joffre (1852-1931) walking out of a French military-controlled building in Chantilly, France in De... More
King of Montenegro and the Commander-in-Chief inspecting the Guard of ...
Haig, as Commander-in-Chief of the British forces, walks to the left of King Nikola I Petrovic of Montenegro (1860-1918). The king, wearing a long white coat, is acknowledging the Guard of Honour who are drawn ... More
Some officers studying a map of newly captured ground, Flanders
Officers examining a map, Western Front, during World War I. Five officers gathered around a map. Some of the men are using shovels to sit on, as if they were shooting sticks. The cap and collar badges of three... More
One of the many temporary bridges made by the R.E.s over the Somme
Bridge over the Somme, France, during World War I. Seven soldiers stand on a temporary bridge over the Somme. According to the photograph's original caption the bridge was built by the Royal Engineers. The brid... More
Few German prisoners being questioned
Prisoners of War, Western Front, during World War I. German prisoners being questioned by British officers. The prisoners appear to have been given bread rations, possibly for the purposes of the photograph. Th... More
French Troops moving up into action
French soldiers marching to the front line, France, during World War I. Dressed in their heavy army overcoats and carrying their long rifles, a group of French soldiers travels to the fighting. Note the protect... More
Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig talking to a Sergt. Major of the Gordon...
General Haig and the Gordon Highlanders' guard of honour, during World War I. Down the left half of the photograph are two long rows of soldiers for as far as the eye can see. They are standing at an angle to t... More
General and Staff in charge of the American engineers who are construc...
The men in this photograph are all wearing the same uniform, which includes a very distinctive hat. It is a beautiful sunny day, but their faces are shielded from the sun by their hats. All of the men are stand... More
H.M. leaving an observation post on Vimy Ridge
A corrugated iron shed is built into an embankment of loose dirt. The surroundings in fact are dominated by dark, loose mud, interspersed with some low-lying shrubs. This creates quite a barren and bleak atmosp... More
Two Generals discussing a plan of defence in a trench
Two officers, identifiable as generals by their shoulder insignia and collar braid, are sitting in a trench, looking at a map. Two junior officers await their orders. There were regular briefings of officers. U... More
Boiling cookers of tea for our wounded just behind the line
The odd contraptions along the front of the picture are for boiling water. Mass production was required to deal with the volume of men. The soldiers dealing with the boilers are wearing ordinary uniforms, but w... More
Tea time just behind the line, Flanders
This image shows a group of British soldiers having a cup of tea. They are all in full uniform and look as if they are just pausing for a rest. Their rifles have been put to one side. They could be in a trench... More
King and the President of France
State occasion between France and Great Britain, during World War I. This shot has no attributed photographer. Despite the seriousness and etiquette required of this ceremonial situation, both men appear rather... More
Three officers having a chat - wearing trench waders, Flanders
Mud-splattered officers wearing trench waders enjoying a chat. This image shows three mud-splattered officers wearing trench waders enjoying a light-hearted chat. The fact that their feet are not visible on the... More
Colonel of the regiment watching the greasy pole competition
Cavalrymen, including the Colonel of the regiment, sitting on a river bank watching a greasy pole competition, during World War I. They appear to be completely engrossed in the event. Although they are in full ... More
H.M. conferring the honour of Knighthood on General Currie, Commander ...
King George V conferring General Currie, Commander of the Canadian forces, with the honour of Knighthood. They are standing in a marquee and the King is placing his sword above the Commanders right shoulder. A ... More
Wounded men of a third line Territorial Division being carefully moved...
Wounded soldiers are lying on stretchers, positioned across open-topped railway carriages. All of the men are bundled up in blankets to keep them warm. The last man is being loaded on, near the top of the small... More
Troops passing through a camoflaged trench to obscure the enemy's view
In this photograph two soldiers can be seen walking up steps in a trench. The trench is partly protected from view by camouflage nets. Camouflage became increasingly important during the war as aircraft surveil... More
Portuguese infantry resting during World War I
There is a group of soldiers half lying on the dirt in the middle of the image. They are all wearing dusty looking uniforms and tin helmets. They have not taken the rest of their equipment off either. They are ... More
Fine advertisement, isn't it?, Flanders
A group of Royal Artillery, identifiable by their grenade collar badges. They are posed in a group photograph, sitting on two large shells which are painted with the words 'RMA' and 'Guarantee for Peace'. They ... More
Staff Officer explains to the Spanish Officers the construction of a m...
Spanish officers inspecting a trench. Five officers are grouped around the entrance to a half-constructed trench. The structure of the trench is visible. In the background lie frosty puddles...[Original reads: ... More
H.M. talking to General Horne whilst visiting his army area
King George V talking to General Horne. The General is holding a piece of paper, possibly a map, in his left hand. Both men are smartly dressed in military uniform. The King is resting his weight on a cane. Two... More
Officers chatting in their billets
Members of the Newfoundland Regiment. The men are positioned on a tree-lined path leading up to large and impressive collection of buildings. Most of them are sitting on low walls lining both sides of the small... More
Tommy has just bought a chicken for his Christmas dinner
Soldiers buying a chicken for their Christmas dinner. Three soldiers are standing in front of what appears to be a large farm building. The top half of a split door has been left open and there are piles of sac... More
British Tommy interests himself in the happiness of the kiddies on the...
French children playing with a British soldier on a beach, France, during World War I. Dressed in the long and stripy swimsuits that were traditional in this era, these French children are enjoying playing in t... More
I'll guess it's hot carrying that lot
Two soldiers stand face-to-face with each other. They are standing on a path at the edge of a formal garden. In the background more paths and wooden buildings are visible. The soldier on the right is informally... More
Town Clerk of Dover reading address of welcome to the Field Marshal
Civic welcome at Dover, England, probably December 1918. Field Marshal (Earl) Haig (1861-1928) listening as the Town Clerk of Dover (in a legal wig) reads an address of welcome watched by the Mayor (with a chai... More
77 mm. guns which were captured by the British during the advance
Eight soldiers are standing grouped around a gun. They are all uniformed and wearing helmets. Three of the soldiers are just standing behind the gun, looking on and chatting amongst themselves. Four soldiers ar... More
Transport crossing a pontoon bridge, Flanders
Pontoon bridge, France, during World War I. This photograph shows a military transport cart, pulled by two grey horses, crossing a pontoon bridge over a river. The bridge has a slatted timber roadway, supported... More
This speaks for itself, Flanders
Artillerymen and shells, Western Front, during World War I. Six men of the Royal Artillery, who can be identified by their grenade collar badges. They are sitting behind three very large shells, on each of whic... More
Officer chatting with a French 'Poilu'
Two men standing in a muddy field. They are both wearing steel helmets, and long overcoats over their uniforms. The man on the right, smoking a cigarette, is carrying a rifle and a pack over his shoulder. Both ... More
Spanish Officers inspecting a heap of captured German hand grenades, m...
Spanish officers inspect captured German weaponry, during World War I. Five officers are standing on ridges in a muddy field. Two are looking at the pool of water they are standing beside while two look off int... More
Wiring parties going up to the front line after heavy rain
A wiring party making their way along a very wet and muddy road. They are all wearing steel helmets and carrying rifles. Three of the men are rolling large rolls of wire along the road. Two of the men in the di... More
Near Peronne, Flanders during World War I
Soldiers and horses in the street. Three soldiers are standing around two horses, whilst another soldier is sitting on one of the horses. One of the soldiers is putting a cap on the horse's head. In the backgro... More
At a training school, Flanders - Public domain portrait print
A large group of soldiers at a training school, in France, during World War I. Some of the men nearer the front are holding weapons. The men in the distance merge to form a sea of faces. At the back of the grou... More
Prisoners coming in, Flanders during World War I
German prisoners, during World War I. German prisoners being taken. One of the soldiers escorting them is armed with a large rifle and bayonet. Despite the armed soldier, they appear to be walking through the f... More
Going off with a good feed of grass which they have just cut for their...
Soldiers gathering fodder, France, during World War I. Two soldiers, identified by their cap badges as men of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, have been cutting grass for their horses. One man is carrying a scy... More
Field Marshall Foch visits the King
This photograph shows the French commander, General Ferdinand Foch (1851-1929) on the left and two other French officers, waving as they walk towards the camera. Foch was appointed Allied Commander-in-Chief in ... More
Scene in a front line trench during an actual gas attack
Three men standing in a trench, wearing gas masks. All three are in uniform and wearing steel helmets. The walls of the trench are high, and one man is perched, possibly on a ledge, enabling him to look over th... More
Sorry it is empty, Flanders during World War I
Two soldiers with a rum jar. The man actually drinking can be seen, in close-up, to be focused on the photographer rather than the earthenware rum jar! ..The army had a daily rum ration of 1/2 gill, which must ... More
Machine gunners from an Irish Division, Flanders
At first glance this is a posed and formal group photograph. On further inspection, however, it becomes more of a parody of the traditional group photograph. A number of the men at the front of the group are we... More
Tommies eating in a trench, Flanders
Soldiers is gathered in a small section of trench. In the foreground, one man slices a loaf of bread and another holds a container, possibly filled with soup or stew. Invariably, food arrived in the trenches da... More
Natives of Manipur are greatly interested in the workings of a motor
A motorcar is parked to the left of the picture and is sitting with both sides of its bonnet open. There is a British soldier in the car, busy with the controls. Two Manipur soldiers are kneeling in front of th... More
Carrying a wounded man down to an ambulance, Flanders
A soldier in a tin hat is carrying a wounded sergeant on his back down a steep muddy bank helped by a corporal wearing a tin hat with MGC on it. Three other soldiers watch and a Red Cross man waits on the road ... More
One Tommy helps another out of the entrance to his dug-out or home
This photograph shows one soldier pulling another through a small hole, apparently from the cellar of a ruined house. The caption describes this as the entrance to a dugout. The conditions in this cellar may ha... More
H.M. walking through Peronne during World War I
King George V and his entourage walking through a street in Peronne, France. The King is walking at the front of the group, with a uniformed man on either side. All of the men, including the King, are in unifor... More
H.M. the King. H.M. the Queen. H.R.H. the P. of W., Monsieur Poincare,...
From left to right this image shows the President of France, Monsieur Poincare; his wife Madame Poincare; the Prince of Wales; the British Ambassador to France, Sir Francis Bertie; Sir Douglas Haig; George V an... More
Snap at a seaside resort during World War I
British soldier building sandcastles with a little boy, in France, during World War I. This shows a 'Tommy' playing at building sandcastles with a little boy on a beach in northern France. The boy is dressed in... More
H.M. watching the Australian sports
King George V is standing in the foreground, watching as soldiers take part in a sports day event. The men taking part are in full uniform and are carrying full packs. The exercise shown here is possibly part o... More
Men of the K.O.Y.L.I. playing cards, Flanders
Soldiers are playing a relaxing game of cards. Positioned in a circle round the cards, they are stretched out on the ground. A small pile of money has been placed in the middle. One soldier looks over his shoul... More
Women at Boulogne station, France, probably December 1918
Women, accompanied by French and British officers, waiting at a gateway on the station platform at Boulogne. Most of the women are in uniform but two, standing slightly apart from the others and clearly accompa... More
Muddy wheels of an ammunition cart, Flanders
Four soldiers sitting on the axles of a gun- or ammunition-limber. The wheels of the limber are heavily covered in thick mud and it is possible that it had just been pulled out of the mud after being stuck. Mud... More
Messenger dogs with their keepers going across country up to the front...
Messenger dogs and their handlers marching to the Front, in France, during World War I. Straining at the leash, these messenger dogs and their keepers are apparently on their way to the front line trenches. In ... More
Funeral of Major General Ugo Bagnani, Italian Army who died on the 7th...
A walkway lined with uniformed troops is being traversed by pall-bearers and a coffin. The coffin is draped with a flag and most of the troops have bowed heads. The snowy churchyard and two elderly civilians ar... More
Free coffee and biscuits any time day or night, Flanders
Soldiers standing by a roadside. They are outside a makeshift coffee stall, and most of the men in the photograph are drinking out of metal cups. The group also includes three men sitting on their horses. Anoth... More
H.M. and the King of the Belgians leaving the latter's house
King George V, on the left, and King Albert I of Belgium walking along a brick pathway. The path is bordered by what appears to be sand and sea grass. According to the photograph's original caption, they are ju... More
Nissen hut makes a splendid hospital ward
Inside a Nissen hut converted into a hospital ward. The bowed ceiling is lined with wood and a long rug runs the length of the hut, possibly laid for the benefit of the Queen's visit. Beds line both sides, with... More
Fixing fuses on Stokes Mortars, Flanders
Eight men, watched by an officer, are setting fuses into Stokes mortar bombs. The man in the centre of the group is displaying one of the mortar bombs and a crate open at his feet is packed with three more. Cra... More
Saluting as the French Band plays the American National Anthem
Uniformed men, possibly members of the American Expeditionary Force, salute as the American national anthem is played. They have probably just arrived in France and are standing on board a boat. The American Ex... More
South African munition workers during World War I
Officers and South African civilians, during World War I. Two civilians sit in the back of the car and two officers sit in the front. Another officer stands behind the car while two other civilians stand in fro... More
Lewis gun's crew ready in the front line during an actual gas attack
This photograph was taken at ground level from a bend in a trench. The trench itself is shallow and quite wide. It is also free from wet mud at the moment. The top of a line of trees further down the hill can b... More
Well known football team in France, Flanders
Football team in France during World War I. They are standing in three rows and posing for the camera. Two men in uniform stand beside them. The players are wearing their football strips. The ball has been plac... More
Two little girls that only just escaped death by a few yards
A soldier walking along a road with two little girls. He is holding their hands in a protective manner. Both of the girls have been given steel helmets to wear. They are both looking into the camera. The soldie... More
Two South Africans during World War I
Two soldiers in the snow sharing a match, during World War I. This pretty, picturesque image belies the harshness of the conditions faced by front line troops during the winter months. There is a statuesque far... More
King of Belgium crossing No Man's Land in the newly captured territory
King Albert crossing no man's land, during World War I. King Albert is standing on a duckboard bridge across a very deep ditch while another man is starting to follow behind him. The field around him is very hi... More
Open air cookery near Miraumont-le-Grand, Flanders
Officers cooking, Western Front, during World War I. Four officers seated on chairs around a brazier. One of the men is cooking in a steel helmet on the brazier. The rather formal middle-class dining chairs are... More
H.M. watching a trench mortar bombardment
King George V and his entourage watching a trench mortar bombardment. They are all in uniform and are standing with their backs to the camera. The King is most likely the figure standing in front, furthest from... More
H.M. the King of Montenegro watches an aeroplane flight
King Nikola I Petrovich of Montenegro (1860-1918) has been photographed by John Warwick Brooke standing with two officers beside a small fighter plane. The pilot stands near the propeller. Another group of men ... More
Artillerymen carrying shells to the gun through the snow, Flanders
Despite the appalling weather conditions, the job of carrying artillery shells to feed the hungry guns continued apace. The only positive factor about adverse weather conditions such as this were that they ofte... More
South African officers having lunch
South African officers pausing for something to eat and drink. They are gathered round a makeshift table, sitting on whatever has come to hand. The countryside surrounding them is covered with snow. It is a rel... More
More 'pills' for the Boche, Flanders
Two uniformed men inspect a stockpile of shells. The shells are stacked in large bundles and cradled in large strips of corrugated iron. In the background a number of dugouts or stores are visible, the entrance... More
H.M. presenting decorations - Public domain photogrpaph
King George V pinning a decoration to the jacket of a uniformed man. They are standing outside a building on a gravel drive. The decorations have been placed on a small table to the left of the King. One man is... More
Railway engine in difficulties - Steam locomotive, Public domain image
Railway engine, during World War I. A group of soldiers stand around a large railway engine. Some of them hold spades, while others are lined up next to the engine. More soldiers stand on the embankment, ready... More
Signal station - using daylight lamp, Flanders
Signal station using a daylight lamp to send messages, during World War I. The signal station shown in this photograph would probably have used an encrypted form of Morse code to transmit messages. The soldier ... More
Prince of Wales inspecting a battalion in France
This image shows the Prince of Wales taking part in the inspection of a battalion. The troops behind him are all standing to attention, with their rifles propped over their left shoulders. Although there to ins... More
Australians off up to the trenches
Troops marching along a muddy road in France, during World War I. According to the existing caption they are Australian. They are all heavily laden with arms and equipment. Some of the men have noticed the came... More
Navvy battalion at work round the Virgin of Montauban, Flanders
Destruction at the village of Montaubau, France. About thirty men stand on the mound of rubble, grouped around the statue of the Virgin Mary. Poignantly, the statue has been hit in the shoulder by a bullet. It ... More
Tommy as a navvy, Flanders during World War I
All of the men are holding some form of implement to break up a large pile of stones. A man stands to one side supervising their work. The stones are to be used in the construction of a road. Roads and bridges ... More
Rescued calf from near the Front line, Flanders
A man holding a calf. According to the original caption, the calf has been rescued from the front line. The man holding it is standing on a cart positioned in front of a building. Three other uniformed men are ... More
Making use of a yoke to fetch water for the battery
Like some figure from the Orient, this British soldier is making his water-fetching duties slightly easier by using a yoke. The soldier behind him, though, prefers to use the more traditional method of carrying... More
Inspecting the horse transport of a Canadian Battalion
Inspection of Canadian military horses during World War I. A line of horses cuts diagonally across the image. They are being held steady by uniformed soldiers hidden behind the horses. Some of them are mounted... More
Although the Germans shell this area every day it does not dissuade th...
French farmer ploughing, Western Front, Spring 1918. This photograph is an evocative symbol of hope. Framed in the doorway of a ruined building, a British soldier is watching a French farmer as he breaks up a ... More
King visits the men who man the tanks at the Front
King George V visiting tank crews at the Front, in France, during World War I. In the photograph, King George V is on the right of the leading group of officers, in military uniform. Haig appears to be in the f... More
Kitchens in a trench, Flanders during World War I
This image of a soldier cooking at a stove while standing in a trench might seem rather unusual, but this trench would certainly not be in the immediate front line as the smoke from such a stove would have attr... More
Officer puts on a German armour for H.M's inspection
Four soldiers and King George V are standing in a group in the middle of the photograph, with the King facing the camera. The soldier wearing the armour has his back to the camera although the distinctive Germa... More
British troops camouflaging a road in France
The left of this image is dominated by a high camouflage wall. The bottom half of it is solid wattle whilst the top, which is in the process of being attached, is made of netting. The right of the photograph co... More
Portuguese drawn up for inspection
Portuguese troops lined up for inspection. They are standing at the edge of a dry and dusty road, bordered by lush fields. All of the men are standing to attention, with their rifles positioned over their left ... More
Cooks at work, Flanders during World War I
With their mobile field kitchen parked behind them, this image shows two army cooks preparing a meal for the troops. The cook on his knees appears to be chopping up some meat. The ground conditions in this imag... More
Prince Alexander of Teck and an army staff officer
Prince Alexander of Teck visits the Western Front, during World War I. This image shows Prince Alexander of Teck with an army staff officer. They are possibly standing waiting for a ceremony or march past to be... More
Haig shaking hands with Queen Alexandra
Haig greeting Queen Alexandra, London, 19 December 1918. This photograph shows Field Marshal ( Earl) Haig (1861-1928) and two other officers sitting in an open horse-drawn carriage in London. Haig is leaning do... More
H.M. climbing to the Butte de Warlancourt
King George V climbing a large mound known as the Butte de Warlencourt. He is followed, in single file, by a number of other uniformed men. Although there is no date attached to this photograph, it is known tha... More