A contribution to Black History Month

With November fast approaching, I realise I’d better move fast if I want to mark Black History Month – although I would, of course, add something of interest at any time of the year!

Not only were the allied forces in Salonika diverse in terms of the participating nations, but there were also varied ethnicities to be found within national forces. France stands out with its troops from West and North Africa, Madagascar and Indochina, alongside those from metropolitan France.

Two French colonial soldiers, an Annamite (Vietnamese) and a Malagasy tirailleurs, at Zeitenlik in Salonika, July 1917. THE FRENCH ARMY IN THE MACEDONIAN CAMPAIGN, 1915-1918 (click on image to see full size) © IWM (Q 50375)

Convalescent French soldiers at the Scottish Women’s Hospital near Salonika look at the Battle Honours inscribed on the drum of the 1st Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 1916. THE MACEDONIAN CAMPAIGN 1915-1918. Click on the image to see full size. © IWM (Q 32036)