Fascinating 1900 photo of 9 soldiers from 8 nations
I came across this photo awhile back and wanted to share it. I think it is truly an amazing photo. It was taken sometime in the year 1900, in Tianjin, China during the Boxer Rebellion and features 9 soldiers of 8 Nations.
From Left to Right:
I'm not a war buff nor a well read historian, yet the significance of this image is not lost on me. Potentially one of a kind, the photo captures a unique gathering of 9 soldiers from the army's of 8 nations during a significant piece of world history. Perhaps in today's world, this may be a more common sight, soldiers of nations must come together often, idk. I would bet that over a hundred years ago, this would be very unique indeed.
Look at their uniforms and equipment. Notice how each is standing. There is a lot to take in.
That Aussie mate looks serious!
I wonder how these men interacted with each other. Was there humor and camaraderie between some or all? I have to admit that I'm imprinted by the film, "The English Patient," and cannot help but initially see the soldier from British India like:
I will sift a million grains of sand for you my dear.
Yeah, that's no soldier! There must have been some animosity and or disdain between a few of them, as well as downright bigotry - but one never knows. Perhaps the situation brought them closer together. I'm reminded of the fictional work "The Diamond Age" by Neal Stephenson:
"Oh good, you've got Zulu's"
Here is the original post from fb where I came across the image. The group, Baron's Time Capsule has many intereting historical photos that are definitely not the run of the mill.
Cheers!
Fascinating! I love old photos, perhaps because there is a sort of mystery behind them. What was their story? How did they come to this point in time? Was this the last time they met? So many unanswered questions.
The uniforms from the different countries are pretty interesting too. I'm not really seeing any ribbons on the Army guy so I have no idea of rank.
At that time, people been not so brainwashed like today.
They were more cultured and had notions of morality.
For example:
In Crimean War at 1855.
Franch an Russian solders come together and drinked wine, when the batle was stopped.
And rushed to each other side, when fight begans again.
I do not think it is possible in modern days, in modern warfare.
I could be wrong =]
What do you think ???
looks good! :)