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Mail runners on Jelep La Pass in the snow, between Sikkim, India, and Tibet, from a fascinating album which reveals new details on a little-known campaign in which a British military force brushed aside Tibetan defences to capture Lhasa, in 1904
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Mail runners on Jelep La Pass in the snow, between Sikkim, India, and Tibet, from a fascinating album which reveals new details on a little-known campaign in which a British military force brushed aside Tibetan defences to capture Lhasa, in 1904
Mail runners on Jelep La Pass in the snow, between Sikkim, India, and Tibet, from a fascinating album which reveals new details on a little-known campaign in which a British military force brushed aside Tibetan defences to capture Lhasa, in 1904. The Tibet Expedition was launched from India and sanctioned by Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, who was concerned over Russian influence and supposed advance toward the border. The expedition eventually gained a number of concessions from Tibet, nominally under Chinese control at the time, but whether the effort was worth the return is certainly up for debate. This album came by direct descent from the family of Captain William Charles Hayman, ADC to the expedition's leader, Colonel Francis Younghusband of the Indian Political Service (Younghusband was accompanied by a strong military escort commanded by Brigadier General James Macdonald). The photographs show various elements of the expedition: military, monasteries, scenery, towns and locals. Date: 1904
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Media ID 32265910
© Henry Aldridge & Son Ltd. / Mary Evans
Advance Altitude Campaign Capture Hayman Journey Lhasa Mail Pass Reportage Runners Sikkim Tibet Tibetan
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, mail runners brave the harsh winter conditions on Jelep La Pass, a treacherous mountain route connecting Sikkim, India, with Tibet. The image is taken from an intriguing album that offers a unique glimpse into the little-known British military campaign of 1904, known as the Tibet Expedition. Led by Colonel Francis Younghusband of the Indian Political Service, the expedition was authorized by Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, in response to growing concerns over Russian influence and perceived advances toward the border. The mission aimed to secure concessions from Tibet, then nominally under Chinese control. The album, which has been passed down through the family of Captain William Charles Hayman, who served as ADC (Aide-de-Camp) to Colonel Younghusband, features an array of captivating photographs documenting various aspects of the expedition. These images include military scenes, monasteries, stunning landscapes, and local inhabitants. The mail runners in this photograph are likely part of the support staff that facilitated communication between the British forces and their base in Sikkim. Their determination to deliver messages and supplies despite the treacherous conditions speaks to the logistical challenges faced by the expedition. The success of the Tibet Expedition remains a subject of debate. While the British forces did secure some concessions from Tibet, the cost of the campaign and its long-term impact on the region are still open to interpretation. Nonetheless, this album offers a fascinating window into a pivotal moment in the history of India, Tibet, and the broader geopolitical landscape of the early 20th century.
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