WW1 British Infantry advancing with gas masks

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WW1 British Infantry advancing with gas masks

WW1 British Infantry advancing with gas masks Date: circa 1916

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

Media ID 32371528

© The Keasbury-Gordon Photograph Archive / Mary Evans

Advancing Infantry Masks

EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative vintage image captures the grim determination of British infantrymen advancing through the muddy trenches of the Western Front during World War I, circa 1916. The soldiers are dressed in heavy greatcoats and woolen hats, each carrying a rifle and a full pack. But what sets them apart from previous generations of soldiers is the distinctive equipment they carry: gas masks slung over their shoulders. The First World War marked a new era in the history of warfare, with the introduction of chemical weapons adding a terrifying new dimension to the battlefield. In response, soldiers were issued with gas masks to protect them from the choking, blinding effects of poison gas. The masks, which resembled large leather helmets with glass visors, were a constant reminder of the deadly threat that lurked just beyond the trenches. This photograph, part of The Keasbury-Gordon Photograph Archive Collection from Mary Evans Prints Online, offers a haunting glimpse into the daily reality of life in the trenches. The soldiers' faces are obscured by their masks and their expressions are difficult to read, adding to the sense of anonymity and isolation that characterized the trench warfare experience. The lantern slide format of the photograph, with its soft focus and muted colors, only adds to the dreamlike quality of the image. Despite the challenges and hardships of the war, the British infantrymen continued to advance, driven by a sense of duty and a determination to defeat the enemy. This powerful image serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women of the First World War, and the enduring courage and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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