Rearguard Collection

Marshall Ney during the retreat from Russia, (1812) 1894
Marshal Ney during the retreat from Russia, (1812) 1894. Napoleon left Michel Ney in command of the rearguard during the epic retreat from the failed French invasion of Russia in 1812

Le Cateau 1914
With German forces nearly upon the field artillery at Le Cateau in northern France, Captain Douglas Reynolds leads a heroic rearguard action

A rearguard remain to prevent the advancing Germans from repairing the bridge blown up by the retreating Belgians at
3502695 A rearguard remain to prevent the advancing Germans from repairing the bridge blown up by the retreating Belgians at Termonde, Belgium during WWI, from The Pageant of the Century

The tanks reassemble after battle; Journey of the rear guard, 1917. Creator: Unknown
The tanks reassemble after battle; Journey of the rear guard, 1917. From "L'Album de la Guerre 1914-1919, Volume 2" [L'Illustration, Paris, 1924]

In Champagne: a surprise attack; While part of the group held back to clear the ground... 1917. Creator: Unknown
In Champagne: a surprise attack; While part of the group held back to clear the ground taken in the first wave, the forward line marched to the second enemy line whose survivors had surrendered

Spanish Civil War. Propaganda postcard for the Republican rearguard, with messages from Spanish president Negrin and Catalan president Companys. Propaganda Undersecretaryship. SPAIN

Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Los combatientes necesitan prendas de abrigo (Fighters need warm clothes). Poster ob the International Red Help. SPAIN. Salamanca. Archivo Historico Nacional

Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Milicianos! No dsperdicieis municiones, viveres ni energias (Militia! Don't waste neither munitions, provisions nor energies)

Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Campesinos, dad vida a la tierra. Otros os la dan y defienden (Farmers, bring life to the earth. Other give it to you and defend it)

Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Children's Week, held in Barcelona and organized by the Reginal Council of the International Antifascist Solidarity (1st-7th January 1938). Poster. SPAIN. Madrid

Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Inauguration of the Caldetes summer camp, ceremony presided by the Mexican ambassador Alberto Tejada (30th May 1938). SPAIN. Madrid

SPAIN. CATALONIA. Spain. Civil War. Els caiguts et necessiten (The Fallen need you). Poster of the Consell de Sanitat de Guerra, Generalitat of Catalonia (1937). Original drawing by Eduardo Vicente

LARGO CABALLERO, Francisco (1869-1946). Spanish socialist politician. Propaganda poster of the Valencian Socialist Federation. SPAIN. Salamanca. Archivo Historico Nacional

The Popes Rear Guard or the Fright of the Reverend Father Corporal (Arriere... late 18th century. Creator: Anon)
The Popes Rear Guard or the Fright of the Reverend Father Corporal (Arriere garde du pape, ou la frayeur du reverend pere caporal), late 18th century

First World War. The reading of good news at a French camp. 1916 (lithograph)
CUL4891858 First World War. The reading of good news at a French camp. 1916 (lithograph) by Jonas, Lucien Hector (1880-1947); Photo © HILL/AIC

Russian retreat after the Battle of Mukden, Russo-Japanese War (colour litho)
2795927 Russian retreat after the Battle of Mukden, Russo-Japanese War (colour litho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Russian retreat after the Battle of Mukden)

The Opening into the Narrow Pass Above the Siri Bolan, from
STC135159 The Opening into the Narrow Pass Above the Siri Bolan, from Sketches in Afghaunistan, engraved by Charles Haghe (1810-88) and Louis Haghe (1806-85) published by Henry Graves

Prussian infantry attacking at the Battle of Eylau, 7-8 February 1807 (colour litho)
3621050 Prussian infantry attacking at the Battle of Eylau, 7-8 February 1807 (colour litho) by Rochling, Carl (1855-1920); Private Collection; (add.info)

"An Army on the March, the Rearguard with the Baggage-Waggons, "in the Exhibition of the Royal Academy
2785386 " An Army on the March, the Rearguard with the Baggage-Waggons, " in the Exhibition of the Royal Academy (engraving) by Gilbert

The Operations against the Mullah in Somaliland, the Fight at Erego (b / w photo)
1601365 The Operations against the Mullah in Somaliland, the Fight at Erego (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Grenadier batallion of Prince Augustus of Prussia at the Battle of Prenzlau, 28 October 1806 (colour litho)
3621045 Grenadier batallion of Prince Augustus of Prussia at the Battle of Prenzlau, 28 October 1806 (colour litho) by Knotel

Marshal Ney on the Retreat from Russia (colour litho)
2818470 Marshal Ney on the Retreat from Russia (colour litho) by Yvon, Adolphe (1817-93) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Marshal Ney on the Retreat from Russia)

Retreat of the Swiss at the Battle of Marignan, 14 September 1515 (colour litho)
3621072 Retreat of the Swiss at the Battle of Marignan, 14 September 1515 (colour litho) by Courvoisier, Jules (1884 - 1936); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Retreat to Corunna, 1867
5919927 The Retreat to Corunna, 1867 by Unknown Artist, (19th century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: The Retreat to Corunna, The Rearguard 1st Battalion, 95th Rifles, The Rifle Brigade)

Graves of Officers and Men who fell at Bronkhorstspruit in the Boer War, 1880 (b / w photo)
1606745 Graves of Officers and Men who fell at Bronkhorstspruit in the Boer War, 1880 (b/w photo) by English Photographer

A ray of sunshine amidst dark days (colour litho)
3621043 A ray of sunshine amidst dark days (colour litho) by Knotel, Richard (1857-1914); Private Collection; (add.info.: A ray of sunshine amidst dark days)

"An Army on the March, the Rearguard with the Baggage-Waggons, "in the Exhibition of the Royal Academy
1588361 " An Army on the March, the Rearguard with the Baggage-Waggons, " in the Exhibition of the Royal Academy (engraving) by Gilbert

BATTLE OF MONTEREAU
CAMPAIGN IN FRANCE Battle of MONTEREAU Napoleon repulses an attack on his rearguard by Prinz Eugen of Wurttemberg Date: 18 February 1814

Roland, the Hero of the National Epic of France, 1909. From Harmsworth History of the World, Volume 5, by Arthur Mee, J.A. Hammerton, & A.D. Innes, M.A. [Carmelite House, London, 1909]

British retreat from Thermopylae to Athens by G. H. Davis
From Thermopylae to Athens: the last valiant British retreat. A relief map looking southwards, showing the last stages of a glorious rearguard action during the Battle of Greece, Second World War

Michel Ney (1769-1815) French soldier. Led rearguard of the 1812 retreat from Moscow: commanded French centre at Waterloo. Hand-coloured engraving

The Rearguard by Harold Earnshaw
Back view of a boy scout, complete with knapsack, hat and patched shorts. 1927

Retiring German cavalry WWI
Bavarian cavalry retreating during the rearguard actions near Chauny which the French took on the 19th March 1917 during World War I

Serbian Retreat to Albania 1915
Serbian troops fight a rearguard action as they retreat scross the border into Albania. Bulgarian advances, and their capture of the city of Nis forced Serbian military

Charlemagne Roncesvalles
The Franks under Charlemagne retreating from Spain meet a Basque/Gascon force at Roncesvalles in the Pyrenees : his rearguard is annihilated, including the paladin Roland

Soldiers in Retreat
A king and his army in retreat; cavalry and foot- soldiers alike look back over their shoulders and one lone bowman fights a rearguard action

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"Rearguard: A Glimpse into the Tumultuous Battles of History" From Marshall Ney's valiant stand during the treacherous retreat from Russia in 1812 to the harrowing events of Le Cateau in 1914, rearguards have played a crucial role in shaping history. The Spanish Civil War serves as a poignant reminder of their significance, with propaganda postcards depicting their unwavering resolve. In the midst of this devastating conflict, brave combatants fought tooth and nail to defend their ideals. Milicianos and campesinos alike stood shoulder to shoulder, united by an unyielding spirit that refused to be extinguished. Even children took part during Children's Week, showcasing remarkable courage beyond their tender years. Amidst the chaos and destruction, moments of hope emerged. Inaugurations symbolized resilience and determination as new leaders stepped forward amidst adversity. Catalonia bore witness to Els caiguts - fallen heroes who embodied sacrifice for a cause greater than themselves. One figure who loomed large was Francisco Largo Caballero; his indomitable spirit inspired countless others throughout this tumultuous period. His leadership became synonymous with strength and perseverance against all odds. The rearguard stands as a testament to humanity's ability to endure even when faced with unimaginable challenges, and is through these stories that we gain insight into our shared history - one marked by both triumphs and tragedies alike. As time marches on, let us not forget those who held firm at the rear lines - for it is they who ensured that hope would never fade away amidst the darkest hours of war.