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Searchlights near Nancy, France, WW1
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Searchlights near Nancy, France, WW1
Searchlights on the lookout for German Zeppelin airships near Nancy, France, at the start of the First World War.
August 1914
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14121724
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Airships Beam Defence Lookout Nancy Raid Raids Searchlight Searchlights Zeppelin Zeppelins
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> Historic
> World War I and II
> Soldiers
EDITORS COMMENTS
August 1914: Searchlights on the Lookout for German Zeppelin Airships near Nancy, France, at the Start of the First World War This evocative photograph captures the tense atmosphere of the early days of the First World War, as French troops man searchlights near the city of Nancy, France. The searchlights, with their powerful beams piercing the night sky, were a crucial component of the aerial defense against German Zeppelin airships, which began conducting raids over French territory in August 1914. The image shows a group of soldiers, their faces illuminated by the flickering light of the searchlights, intently scanning the heavens for any sign of the enemy. The searchlights themselves are a sight to behold, their powerful beams cutting through the darkness, creating an otherworldly glow that seems to illuminate the very soul of the scene. The presence of the searchlights was a constant reminder of the ever-present threat from the air. Zeppelins, with their large size and ability to fly at high altitudes, were a new and terrifying weapon in the arsenal of both the German and Allied forces. The raids, which targeted cities and military installations, caused widespread fear and destruction, and the searchlights were a vital tool in detecting and deterring these attacks. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the courage and determination of the soldiers who manned the searchlights, keeping watch through the long, dark nights, waiting for any sign of the enemy. It is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the military forces of the time, who adapted to the new realities of warfare and found ways to defend against the threats from the skies. The image is courtesy of Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans, and is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and struggles of the First World War, a conflict that would change the course of history and shape the world as we know it today.
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