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King George V on a light railway, Western Front, WW1
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King George V on a light railway, Western Front, WW1
King George V taking a trip on a light railway during a visit to the Western Front in France during World War One. Date: circa 1916
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Media ID 14135064
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment of respite during the harsh realities of the First World War. In circa 1916, King George V, the monarch of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, made a visit to the Western Front in France to meet with troops and show his support for the British army. Amidst the chaos and destruction of the battlefield, the King took a trip on a light railway, providing a brief moment of normalcy and a symbol of connection between the home front and the front lines. The King's visit was an important morale booster for the soldiers, who were often isolated from their families and loved ones. Dressed in a heavy greatcoat and hat, King George V sits comfortably in a light railway carriage, surrounded by soldiers and army personnel. The men, many of whom are wearing gas masks, appear attentive and respectful as they engage in conversation with their monarch. The light railway, with its simple track and unadorned carriages, offers a stark contrast to the muddy, war-torn landscape that surrounds it. The train, a common mode of transport for troops and supplies during the war, becomes a temporary sanctuary for the King and the soldiers, offering a brief reprieve from the horrors of the battlefield. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the human side of war, and the importance of leadership and morale in maintaining the spirit of the troops during times of conflict. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of those who served, and the sacrifices they made for their country.
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