British soldiers with anti-aircraft gun, Western Front, WW1

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British soldiers with anti-aircraft gun, Western Front, WW1

British soldiers with an anti-aircraft gun camouflaged by bales of hay at harvest time, on the Western Front in France during World War One. Date: circa 1916

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 14135138

© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography

Agriculture Anti Bale Bales Camouflage Camouflaged Defence Guns Harvest Stooks Weapons

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Europe > France > Military

> Historic > World War I and II > Soldiers

EDITORS COMMENTS
Amidst the harsh realities of the Western Front during World War One, British soldiers found innovative ways to blend in with their surroundings and protect against a new and deadly threat - enemy aircraft. In this evocative photograph from circa 1916, soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force are seen manning an anti-aircraft gun, camouflaged by bales of hay at harvest time. The rural setting of the French countryside, with its golden stooks and rolling hills, creates a stark contrast to the military machinery and uniformed men. The use of camouflage was essential for the soldiers' survival, as the skies above the Western Front became a battleground in their own right. The First World War marked the first extensive use of air power in warfare, with both sides employing aircraft for reconnaissance, bombing raids, and dogfights. The British military responded by deploying anti-aircraft guns, hidden amongst the hay bales to avoid detection. The soldiers' focus and determination are evident in their expressions, as they prepare to defend against an aerial attack. The gun's barrel is pointed skyward, ready to engage any incoming enemy aircraft. The scene is a poignant reminder of the ingenuity and resilience of the soldiers on the Western Front, who adapted to the ever-evolving nature of modern warfare and found ways to survive in the most challenging of circumstances.

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