For a number of years now I have wanted to show you two particular photographs, and, now that both are in the public domain, I can do just that. Not that there is anything unusual or particularly special about them as photographs, but there is a story attached to the second one of which, it seems, most people are unaware. Both were taken by controversial Australian photographer Frank Hurley near Birr Cross Roads on the Menin Road (although I should point out that there is nothing contentious about these photos) in September 1917, the above picture showing British walking wounded and German prisoners as they trudge away from the battlefield, passing stretcher cases awaiting evacuation as they go. The ditched vehicle that looks remarkably like a camper van (it does!),… Continue reading
