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Transporting the mail, from a fascinating album which reveals new details on a little-known campaign in which a British military force brushed aside Tibetan defences to capture Lhasa, in 1904
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Transporting the mail, from a fascinating album which reveals new details on a little-known campaign in which a British military force brushed aside Tibetan defences to capture Lhasa, in 1904
Transporting the mail, from a fascinating album which reveals new details on a little-known campaign in which a British military force brushed aside Tibetan defences to capture Lhasa, in 1904. The Tibet Expedition was launched from India and sanctioned by Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, who was concerned over Russian influence and supposed advance toward the border. The expedition eventually gained a number of concessions from Tibet, nominally under Chinese control at the time, but whether the effort was worth the return is certainly up for debate. This album came by direct descent from the family of Captain William Charles Hayman, ADC to the expedition's leader, Colonel Francis Younghusband of the Indian Political Service (Younghusband was accompanied by a strong military escort commanded by Brigadier General James Macdonald). The photographs show various elements of the expedition: military, monasteries, scenery, towns and locals. Date: 1904
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Advance Campaign Capture Donkey Hayman Journey Lhasa Mail Pony Postal Reportage Tibet Tibetan Transporting
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Transporting the Mail
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating image from an intriguing album that offers fresh insights into a little-known campaign in world history: the British expedition to Lhasa, Tibet, in 1904. This military endeavor, led by Colonel Francis Younghusband of the Indian Political Service, was authorized by Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, with the objective of countering Russian influence and perceived encroachment on the border. The expedition, which was accompanied by a strong military escort under the command of Brigadier General James Macdonald, eventually secured various concessions from Tibet, then nominally under Chinese rule. However, the question of whether the expedition's outcomes justified the costs remains a topic of debate. This album, which has been passed down through the family of Captain William Charles Hayman, who served as an ADC (Aide-de-Camp) to Colonel Younghusband, provides a unique and fascinating glimpse into this historic event. The photographs within the album depict various aspects of the expedition, including military scenes, monasteries, breathtaking scenery, towns, and local inhabitants. The image "Transporting the Mail" captures a moment in time as British soldiers carefully transport mail bags on the backs of ponies, likely en route to their destination. The rugged terrain and harsh conditions of the region are evident in the image, as are the determined expressions of the soldiers and the resilient animals they rely on. This photograph, along with the rest of the album, offers a captivating window into a pivotal moment in the history of British-Tibetan relations and the geopolitical landscape of the early 20th century.
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