An Empire at war
On the eve of the conflict Britain was still regarded as the world’s leading naval power. What’s more, Great Britain had a vast colonial empire spanning nearly 30 million sq. km with a population of 250 million inhabitants. Made up of dominions [An autonomous state in the British Empire (Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Newfoundland…)], colonies and small protectorates, this British Empire made a significant contribution to the Allied war effort during the four years of conflict. Many of the British Army’s soldiers came from abroad, with the majority coming from Canada, Australia and India. But other countries also sent men to Europe to fight, including New Zealand and South Africa.
It is estimated that the Commonwealth sent 950,000 men to Europe to fight between 1914 and 1918. Next to the purely demographic aspect the financial and material support of the British territories should also not be underestimated. They exported goods to Europe as well as manufacturing weapons and ammunition. The British Empire’s unity was maintained throughout the war, contributing largely to the victory of the Allied forces. Because of their participation in the conflict some of the populations in the Empire, as was the case for example in Canada or in Australia, developed a real sense of national identity.
Caron Achille (1888-1947), Portrait of an Australian soldier, first quarter of the 20th century, glass plate, © Musée Quentovic – Ville d’Etaples-sur-Mer
The Australian soldiers, who were nicknamed "Diggers", were easy to recognize because of their "slouch hat" which was turned up on the left-hand side. They formed the ANZAC, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, together with the "Kiwis", the nickname given to New Zealand’s soldiers.
Caron Achille (1888-1947), Portrait of a Canadian soldier, first quarter of the 20th century, glass plate, © Musée Quentovic – Ville d’Etaples-sur-Mer
Canada and Newfoundland sent about 600,000 men to Europe. They distinguished themselves in combat on several occasions: the Newfoundlanders at Beaumont-Hamel (Somme) in July 1916 and at Masnières (Nord) in November 1917; the Canadians at Vimy (Pas-de-Calais) in April 1917.
Caron Achille (1888-1947), Portrait of a Scottish soldier, first quarter of the 20th century, glass plate, © Musée Quentovic – Ville d’Etaples-sur-Mer
Achille Caron was a photographer from Etaples, who took several photos during the Great War. In addition to the kilt worn by the Highlanders, the soldiers from the regiments from the North of Scotland, the Scottish troops also wore their traditional headdress, the Glengarry.
Indian soldiers, 1915, photo, Musée Rodière, Montreuil-sur-Mer
This photo was taken in 1915 on the ramparts at Montreuil-sur-Mer. Around this time the city was home to a military hospital for Indian soldiers. They distinguished themselves in combat on several occasions, at Festubert (November 1914) and at Neuve-Chapelle (March 1915) in Pas-de-Calais.
