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South African Gunners
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South African Gunners
South African gunners with their pet zebra in East Africa
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Media ID 589810
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10179217
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment of respite and camaraderie amidst the harsh realities of war in East Africa during 1916. The South African gunners, dressed in their military uniforms, gather around their pet zebra, a testament to the unique bond that could form between soldiers and the animals they encountered in this unfamiliar and exotic landscape. The setting of the image is a temporary camp, likely established during the East African Campaign of World War I. The campaign, which lasted from August 1914 to November 1918, saw the British and their African allies, including the South African forces, battle against the German colonial forces and local African populations. The gunners' expressions convey a sense of joy and amusement as they interact with their zebra companion, offering a rare glimpse into the lighter side of military life during wartime. The zebra, with its distinctive stripes and alert posture, seems to be at ease in the presence of its human companions, adding an unexpected element of charm to the scene. Historically, the presence of animals in military camps was not uncommon, particularly in colonial contexts where soldiers encountered new and exotic species. Horses, mules, and even elephants were often used for transportation and labor, and soldiers developed close relationships with these animals. In this case, the gunners' affection for their zebra pet underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of the military experience, revealing the human side of a story that is often told through the lens of conflict and battle. Overall, this photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, transporting us to a time and place where the boundaries between soldiers and the natural world were more fluid, and the bonds between men and animals could transcend the harsh realities of war.
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