Soldier's comrades watching him as he sleeps, Thievpal, France, during World War I
Soldiers are standing in a very deep, narrow trench, the walls of which are entirely lined with sandbags. At the far end of the trench a line of soldiers are squashed up looking over each others' shoulders at the soldier asleep. The sleeping soldier is lying on a narrow ledge in an uncomfortable position but looks so relaxed and deeply asleep. His rifle is lying to hand and he is still fully equipped. His comrades in the background all appear to be smiling. Everyone is covered in dust and wearing muddy boots.
This photograph captures a very personal moment in this group of comrades war experience. It demonstrates the extreme conditions these men were living in and the humour they used to combat the effects of this.
[Original reads: 'OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN ON THE FRONT IN FRANCE - Asleep within 100 yards of Thiepval.']
Comments and faves
A-Wix, Victoria (Mouse World), TapWater., hisui (jade green), and 129 other people added this photo to their favorites.
ਬੈਸ ਸਿੰਘ (52 months ago | reply)
Nice Shot... Captures Mood... Does any1 know what gun that is next to him? Is it a M1 Garand?
GeirBergh (46 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called War Photography, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Steelback (41 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called British Army, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
KLFoster finishing up [deleted] (35 months ago | reply)
The M1 Garand did not exist then. I would say that it is a Lee Enfield. This picture reminds me how tired a person can really get. It makes me think of my days in the airborne infantry, I remember being so tired that I laid down in a mud puddle and fell asleep. You had to take it when and were you could get it. Ten or fifteen minutes of sleep was a treasured thing.
cobolt 69 (35 months ago | reply)
Great photo, looks as if it was taken Yesterday.
It is a Lee Enfield which had a good reputation with the men that used it
If it had one weakness, it was that the firing mechanisms were susceptible to dirt and grit. When not in battle, many men simply covered the firing mechanism with cloth (as in the photo) in an effort to keep out dirt which would jam the rifle.
normard (35 months ago | reply)
I love photos like this. When I saw this one I thought it was a recent photo. It saddens me that we are still in conflict with one another even after all this time and there are still young men and women who experience these hardships. thank God for the soldier fighting for our freedoms. Photos of these should be made public to everyone so we don't forget!!!
Kuleabin Artem (34 months ago | reply)
great!
justingreen19 (34 months ago | reply)
An amazing capture.
ruslan1220 (33 months ago | reply)
blkshark82 (32 months ago | reply)
Timeless capture. B&W will do that!
james_albis (32 months ago | reply)
one of my favorite type of photography... black and white setting with a subject that speaks story in a single shot... i'm a photography enthusiast and want to learn more... seeing this kind of shots teach me a bit of the kinds and style i wanted... thanks for posting. :)
virginia143 (30 months ago | reply)
Imprecionante
claudiastr (23 months ago | reply)
really nice
♥ M ♥ (Marie)... OFF : à bientôt ! (21 months ago | reply)
Très belle photo pour une si terrible situation...
Amin S. (19 months ago | reply)
great foto !
一张狐的CD (18 months ago | reply)
百度
This photo was invited and added to the First World War group.
artland (17 months ago | reply)
Congratulations!
This is a wonderful shot!
You are invited to post it to:
artland
hithechicken (12 months ago | reply)
Hello!
My name is Tae Jun, and I am from the United Nations of International School of Hanoi.
I am doing a presentation on War Photography, and would it be ok if i used this image in my presentation?
ENFOCARTE Fotografias (11 months ago | reply)
q buena foto!!! felicidades desde Argentina!!!!
A LOVER - NOT A FIGHTER (3 months ago | reply)
Great Photography
martyboy2 of Britain (5 weeks ago | reply)
The rifle next to him was a standard issue SMLE which could hold 10 rounds. A very good weapon to have .Fast firing and very accurate over long distance.These were phased out early in world war two by the mark4. The SMLE is still in use today in some parts of the world.