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Soldiers guarding Willesden tunnel during rail strike
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Soldiers guarding Willesden tunnel during rail strike
Two soldiers guarding Willesden railway tunnel in north west London during the first national railway strike, which took place in August 1911 over the issue of union recognition. The Asquith government supported the railway directors in their efforts to break the strike, but the strike was well supported and effective
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Media ID 4432153
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10410851
Action Asquith Bosses Directors Employment Guarding L Aw Recognition Strike Strikes Striking Supported Tunnel Willesden
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, two soldiers stand guard at the entrance of Willesden tunnel in north west London during the first national railway strike in August 1911. The rail strike was a significant moment in British industrial and political history, as thousands of railway workers walked out in protest against the refusal of the railway companies to recognize their union, the National Union of Railwaymen. The Asquith government, led by H.H. Asquith, supported the railway directors in their efforts to break the strike, leading to a tense standoff between workers and the military. The soldiers, dressed in their full uniforms and carrying rifles, are poised and alert, their eyes scanning the surrounding area for any signs of disturbance. The tunnel, a crucial transport hub for the railway network, looms ominously in the background, its dark entrance a symbol of the disrupted transportation system. The strike was well-supported and effective, with trains coming to a standstill across the country. The workers' demands for union recognition were eventually met, marking a significant victory for the labor movement and paving the way for further union gains in the years to come. This historical photograph offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in the struggle for workers' rights and the complex relationship between labor, government, and industry in early 20th century Britain. The photograph is a poignant reminder of the political and industrial tensions that shaped the country's history, and the role that ordinary people played in shaping the future of their employment and their communities. The image of the soldiers guarding the tunnel is a powerful symbol of the conflict and the determination of all parties involved to assert their respective interests. This photograph is a valuable historical document, offering insights into the past and the complexities of the issues that continue to shape our world today.
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