The well-know idiom "A picture is worth a thousand words" has been used many times over to express the notion that a picture can convey information more effectively than words – formulated into sentences, paragraphs and grammatically structured to be understood – can do. It should be made clear from the onset that this notion is dependent on the individual and how the recipient responds to viewing the picture. This may be true in some circumstances but it isn't as black and white as that. Words are a powerful construct. They are the building blocks of language, of communication, and are used to formulate ideas, theories, thoughts in subjective, objective and neutral ways. However, pictures in varying different forms: photographs, prints, paintings, sketches, graffiti and digital art, can all evoke an emotional response just as effectively as writing and reading words. This emotional response can allow the viewer to go beyond the flat image by exercising thought processes in a creative and expressive way. It is something we do every time we "look" at a picture and "see" what we want to see.
Welcome to the image gallery
With the above little tidbit of thought in mind, think about the First World War. What images come to mind? Maybe some of those established Imperial War Museum images seen among the plethora of websites and publications across the globe conjure up images battle-torn villages, quagmires, trenches, artillery and soldiers "going over the top." There are countless images taken from countless vantage points from many different countries, all depicting every conceivable aspect of the horrors of war. This gallery is not like that. In fact it is very different indeed, as you will see.
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The galleries
Here you will find images relating specifically to the Lonsdale Battalion. The galleries consist of small collections grouped by subject. Many of these come from one unique source: The Lonsdale Battalion Border Regiment, September 1914 to June 1915.[1] and comprise images from their initial training period at Blackhall Racecourse (Battalion HQ) before embarking for French shores. See the men in their civvies lining up for roll call, engaged in bayonet training and aiming drills, digging entrenchments, physical exercise and parading through the streets of Carlisle. Other galleries consist of newspaper images of officers, non-commissioned officers and other ranks, used mainly in articles about the heroic deeds of local Cumberland and Westmorland men, loved ones that are missing, wounded and presumed dead. Also, a large number of images have come from obituaries.
Acknowledgements
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This section requires expansion. (22 July, 2016) |
References / notes
- ↑ A small booklet comprising a selection of photographs from the Lonsdale Battalion's early days of training. The booklet was published in 1915 by Chas. Thurnham and Sons, 11 English Street, Carlisle. Digital copy provided by Kevin Johnstone.