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British soldiers trying on captured German headgear 1916
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British soldiers trying on captured German headgear 1916
British soldiers of the Northumberland Fusiliers trying on German helmets and gas-masks following the battle of St. Eloi. Date: 1916
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Media ID 20159413
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Bubblepunk
Captured Eloi Fusiliers Headgear Helmets Masks Northumberland
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment of levity amidst the harsh realities of the First World War. Taken in 1916, following the Battle of St. Eloi, British soldiers of the Northumberland Fusiliers are seen trying on captured German helmets and gas-masks. The soldiers' expressions range from amusement to curiosity as they examine the enemy's equipment. The Battle of St. Eloi, fought between February 20 and March 5, 1916, was a costly engagement for both sides. The British suffered over 10,000 casualties, while the Germans lost around 7,000 men. The battle is notable for the extensive use of artillery and gas warfare, which left the battlefield a desolate and devastated landscape. The captured German headgear and gas-masks would have been valuable prizes for the British soldiers. The German helmets, known as Stahlhelme or "steel helmets," were the first modern military helmets to offer effective protection against shrapnel and bullets. The gas-masks, which were still a relatively new innovation in warfare, would have been particularly prized as the use of poison gas was becoming increasingly common on the Western Front. Despite the grim circumstances that led to this moment, the photograph serves as a reminder of the human side of war. The soldiers' actions may have been driven by a desire to gain an advantage over their enemies, but they also reveal a sense of curiosity and even a sense of humor in the face of danger. This photograph offers a rare glimpse into the experiences of soldiers during the First World War and the ways in which they coped with the challenges they faced.
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