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Studio photograph of Belgian soldier
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Studio photograph of Belgian soldier
Studio photograph of a Belgian soldier with the rank of Lieutenant. There is no writing on either the front or back of the photograph to aid identification. The printed words on the back are in French, so it may be a card that was sent to the Powell-Cottons by a man who had been a patient in the VAD hospital at Quex Park. The Quex Park VAD Hospital opened on 15 October 1914 and closed on 31 January 1919. The hospital was run by Kent/178, the Birchington Detachment. The Commandant was Hannah Powell-Cotton (1881-1964), wife of Major Percy HG Powell-Cotton (1866-1940) of Quex Park, founder of the Powell-Cotton Museum. Date: circa 1916
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Media ID 14305116
© The Powell-Cotton Museum Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Belgian Brichington Closed Commandant Cotton Cottons Detachment Founder Hannah Identification Lieutenant Major Opened Patient Percy Powell Quex Rank Words January
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative studio photograph captures the stoic gaze of a Belgian Lieutenant, his uniform adorned with the insignia of his rank, during the tumultuous period of World War I. The absence of any identifying information on the front or back of the photograph leaves the viewer with a sense of intrigue. However, the French writing on the reverse suggests that this may have been a memento sent to the Powell-Cottons by a man who had been a patient in the VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) hospital at Quex Park. Quex Park VAD Hospital was established on 15 October 1914 and operated until 31 January 1919. This facility, run by Kent/178, the Birchington Detachment, was under the command of Hannah Powell-Cotton, the wife of Major Percy HG Powell-Cotton, the founder of the Powell-Cotton Museum and a prominent figure at Quex Park. The hospital served as a vital resource during the war, providing care and support to wounded soldiers. The photograph, estimated to date from circa 1916, offers a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the conflict. The Belgian soldier's unwavering expression conveys the resilience and determination that characterized the soldiers of that era. This evocative image serves as a testament to the human spirit and the enduring impact of the war on the lives of those who lived through it.
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