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Barbed wire party freeze under enemy star shell, WW1
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Barbed wire party freeze under enemy star shell, WW1
A detachment of British soldiers, busy setting up barbed wire defences freeze momentarily as the area is lit up by an enemy star-shell. Ahead is a covering party, whose duty is to keep watch for any German patrols. By remaining stock still under the temporary light (one man even has a mallet held in mid-air), the men had a better chance of not being seen and once more under cover of darkness, could continue with their work. The picture was drawn for The Sphere by Donald Macpherson from material personally supplied by a soldier who was there in August 1916. Date: 1916
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Media ID 14167280
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Barbed Busy Covering Danger Darkness Defence Defences Detachment Enemy Flare Freeze Mans Nightime Patrols Shell Watch Wire
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Amidst the chaos and danger of the Western Front during World War I, a moment of stillness is captured in this poignant image. A detachment of British soldiers, huddled together, pause in their work to set up barbed wire defences as the area is illuminated by an enemy star shell. The temporary light reveals the men's determined faces, their tools and equipment scattered around them. Ahead, a covering party keeps watch for any German patrols, their rifles at the ready. By remaining stock still under the light, the men had a better chance of not being seen and could continue with their work once more under the cover of darkness. This powerful and evocative illustration was drawn for The Sphere by renowned artist Donald Macpherson, based on firsthand accounts from a soldier who was there in August 1916. The scene portrays the harsh realities of trench warfare, where the line between life and death could hang in the balance during the brief moments of light cast by the enemy's star shells. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery and resilience of the soldiers who fought in the Great War, and the importance of teamwork and vigilance in the face of danger.
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