Postcard

Item Preview

Asset Preview
Zoom in
Previous Asset
Previous Asset
Next Asset
Next Asset
Uploaded on
2011-08-16 18:47:00.0
File size
2.21 MB
Extension
jpg
Dimensions
2640 x 4317 pixels

    Item Actions

  • Download
    Download options
364
61
Close sidebar Open sidebar

Details

14858
dmas_ha903328_d01_ab10.jpg
This postcard shows five wounded Indian soldiers at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton. They are accompanied by one British soldier, presumably a medic corporal judging by the insignia on the right arm of his uniform.

A black 'x' has been marked on the front of the postcard above the individual sitting on the left of the front row. A message on the reverse of the card suggests that this is 'Jamga Singh VC'. A further handwritten note requests that the sender's mother should not send another muffler.

During the First World War, Brighton's Royal Pavilion was used as a military hospital. Between December 1914 and January 1916, the former royal palace was used for native Indian soldiers who fought alongside British troops in Europe. Brighton's position on the south coast made it a suitable location for troops wounded on the battlefields of France. However, the decision to use the Pavilion for Indian soldiers was largely inspired by its distinctive architecture.

While the Indian soldiers seem to have been well cared for, the event was also widely publicised. The wounded Indians were frequently photographed, often in the company of native British troops. Many of these photographs were made into official postcards which could be bought in local shops.

In part, these images may have satisfied local curiosity about these exotic arrivals. It is also likely that they were used for propaganda purposes. In the early years of the First World War, the benign British Empire was often favourably compared with the naked aggression of Germany. The tolerance and care shown towards Britain's 'fighting sons of the east' could clearly be used to support this idea.
Show more Show less
Timeline / 1910s
Timeline / World War One (1914-1918)
Collections / Local & Social History
Learning Themes / WW1 / Photographs
Learning Themes / Royal Pavilion / Indian Military Hospital (1914-1916)
Collections / Local & Social History / Historic Postcards
 
Show more Show less
Copyright & Re-use
Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove
Show more Show less
Public Domain / CC0
Show more Show less
Object or Artwork info
Postcard
Show more Show less
Postcard
Show more Show less
1915
Show more Show less
This postcard shows five wounded Indian soldiers at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton. They are accompanied by one British soldier, presumably a medic corporal judging by the insignia on the right arm of his uniform. A black 'x' has been marked on the front of the postcard above the individual sitting on the left of the front row. A message on the reverse of the card suggests that this is 'Jamga Singh VC'. A further handwritten note requests that the sender's mother should not send another muffler.
Show more Show less
Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove
Show more Show less
Show more Show less
local history, social history
Show more Show less
Latitude: 50.8224
Longitude: -0.1377
View on map Find nearby items
Show more Show less
File info
Image
Show more Show less
2.21 MB; 2640 x 4317 pixels; 224 x 366 mm (print at 300 DPI);
Portrait
Administrative info
HA903328
Show more Show less

Footer

© Asset Bank Mon Jul 06 12:42:43 BST 2026Cookie policyAccessibility statementTerms & conditionsPrivacy policyAboutContact your admin