Aisne Gallery

WW1 - French arrest a decrepit old woman (a German spy)

WW1 - The Germans gave the old woman a new white blanket and bribed her to walk behind any French battery that might take up a position near a certain village on the Aisne. The lady in the blanket would take an interest in the French from behind their positions on higher ground. As she left, the French were immediately shelled by the German gunners. The woman was captured and brought before a military tribunal, which found her guilt of espionage and sentenced her to life imprisonment. Date: 1915

© Mary Evans Picture Library

Memorial service for Francis & Rivy Grenfell

A memorial service at St. Peter's Church, Eaton Square for Captain Francis Grenfell, V.C., and his twin brother Captain Riversdale ("Rivy" or Rivvy") Grenfell, V.C., twins in a family of fifteen children who both served with distinction in the 9th Lancers during the First World War, were talented polo players and well known in society. Francis was the first officer VC of the war, being awarded it for gallantry in action against unbroken infantry at Andregnies, Belgium, on 24th August 1914, and for gallant conduct in assisting to save the guns of the 119th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, near Doubon the same day. He was killed in action on 24 May 1915 and is buried in the Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery. Riversdale was killed in action at Vendresse during the Battle of the Aisne, 14 Sept. 1914. Among the attendees at the memorial service were Winston Churchill and the Hon. Neil Primrose, Arthur Balfour, Lord Charles Beresford, Field-Marshal Lord Grenfell, Lord Desborough and Colonel Glyn. Date: 1915

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

A football match played by troops during the battle of the A

"Our Happy Tommies" A typical upbeat choice of subject for The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, Sutcliffes illustration, records a football match played by troops in a French village place somewhere along the British second line during the battle of the Aisne. The caption reminds the reader that many footballs have been sent to France for use in the ranks. The picture, as well as the title, conveys a positive image of trench life and would have given comfort to those at home to know that their men occasionally had fun. But football also embodied the British spirit of fair play, a symbolism that also found credence on the battlefield. Date: 1914

© Illustrated London News/Mary Evans