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Colonial volunteers inspected by Major-General Bethune, WW1
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Colonial volunteers inspected by Major-General Bethune, WW1
Major-General Bethune inspecting colonial volunteers on the Horse Guards Parade wearing their civilian clothes, including, at one end, a man in top hat and tails. Major-General Bethune was Director-General of the Territorial Force since 1912. Date: 1914
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Media ID 14141837
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Bethune Civilian Civilians Inspecting Inspection Joining Kitcheners Major Parade Recruitment Tails Volunteering Volunteers
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a pivotal moment in the early days of World War I as Major-General Sir John Bernard "Paddy" Bethune, Director-General of the Territorial Force since 1912, inspects a line of colonial volunteers on Horse Guards Parade in London, England, in 1914. The volunteers, dressed in their civilian clothes, display a diverse range of attire, from suits and hats to traditional ethnic garments. At one end of the line, a man in top hat and tails stands out, adding an air of elegance and distinction to the scene. The Territorial Force, established in 1908, was a part-time military reserve component of the British Army. With the outbreak of war in August 1914, the need for manpower became urgent, and the Territorial Force played a crucial role in the recruitment and training of volunteers. This inspection was likely part of the effort to assess the readiness and suitability of these colonial volunteers for military service. The volunteers represented a diverse range of nationalities and backgrounds, reflecting the global reach of the British Empire. Their decision to join the army was a testament to their loyalty and commitment to the cause, as well as their desire for adventure and opportunity. The image serves as a reminder of the significant role played by colonial volunteers in the British war effort during World War I.
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