Here is the pride of India's contingent, 70,000 native troops--Sikhs and
Ghurkas from the Himalayas, Bengal lancers from the Ganges, and Mahrata
infantrymen from the torrid central plains. They wear their turbans even
in Europe, where the remainder of the uniform is khaki.
The helmeted officers are Englishmen. The Indians have already proved
their courage and skill against the Germans. Like all the regulars of
the British army, they are wonderful bayonet fighters.
[Illustration: ENGLAND'S INDIAN INFANTRY
PHOTO (C) UNDERWOOD & UNDERWOOD, N.Y.]
A Detachment of the French
Aviation Corps
The aeroplane is one of the factors that have revolutionized modern
warfare. Its use for dropping bombs on hostile cities gives it a
spectacular place in the news columns of to-day, but its real military
value consists in scouting, getting the range for artillery, and
preventing surprises by the enemy.
The French army is thoroughly equipped with the swiftest monoplanes in
Europe, and the French are wonderful aviators--skillful, fearless, and
resourceful.
[Illustration: A DETACHMENT OF THE FRENCH AVIATION CORPS
PHOTO (C) BROWN BROS., N.Y.]
One of Germany's Mammoth
Zeppelins
These great dirigible airships, hundreds of feet long, were invented and
perfected by the aged Count Zeppelin. They are effective within a range
of one thousand miles. The German Empire has unquestionably surpassed
all its rivals in Europe in the thorough application of the inventions
of modern science to the making of war.
In the right background is seen the hangar, or shed, in which the craft
is housed. The sheep have become accustomed to the hovering giant and
feed quietly under it.
[Illustration: ONE OF GERMANY'S MAMMOTH ZEPPELINS
PHOTO (C) BROWN BROS,. N.Y.]
Ready for the Uhlans--Belgian
Armored Motor Cars
The flat lowlands of Belgium and northern France are networked with
perfect roads, making possible very rapid movement of troops. Armored
motor cars have been much used by all the armies, especially as escorts
for aviators. The car on the left carries a machine gun; the one on the
right is simply armored with sheet steel to stand heavy fire.
The Belgians employed these cars extensively in the first month of the
war, in their attempt to prevent the raids of the German cavalry.
[Illustration: READY FOR THE UHLANS--BELGIAN ARMORED MOTOR CARS
PHOTO (C) UNDERWOOD & UNDERWOOD, N.Y.]
The Prussian Crown Prince's
Regiment
The Crown Prince is always colonel of the Death's Head Hussars, and when
he had a "difference" with his father a few years ago, the Kaiser exiled
him to his command at Danzig, where the regiment was permanently
stationed. In state reviews the Crown Princess often appears in her
Death's Head uniform as honorary colonel. Naturally, German noblemen are
eager to join this regiment, which is one of the "crack" organizations
of the Prussian army.
[Illustration: THE PRUSSIAN CROWN PRINCE'S REGIMENT]
British Artillery Embarking for
France
This is one of the barges used to carry horses and guns to the transport
ship. The horses are then lifted into the vessel by means of a belt
around their bellies. Some of the jackies have taken off their shoes and
stockings and rolled up their trousers. The artilleryman, partly hidden
behind his mount, is dressed in khaki.
[Illustration: BRITISH ARTILLERY EMBARKING FOR FRANCE
PHOTO (C) UNDERWOOD & UNDERWOOD, N.Y.]
Part of the Russian Steam
Roller--One of the Czar's
Crack Regiments
There are twelve regiments of Grenadiers of the Guard, all composed of
big men. The picture shows a formal review, the regimental band playing
parade music as the Guard marches by.
Only a few days before the war broke out, President Poincare, of France,
reviewed these famous troops of the Czar in St. Petersburg--now
Petrograd.
[Illustration: PART OF THE RUSSIAN STEAM ROLLER--ONE OF THE CZAR'S CRACK
REGIMENTS
PHOTO (C) UNDERWOOD & UNDERWOOD, N.Y.]
Canadian Royal Horse Artillery
Mobilizing
This is part of Canada's splendid contribution to the defense of the
motherland. The Royal Horse were among the first contingent of 33,000 to
embark--Canada pledged 200,000 altogether.
Canadian horses are noted for their strength and beauty. They play a
large part in the development of Canada's rich agricultural resources,
and the Royal Artillery took the finest of Canadian horses across with
them.
[Illustration: CANADIAN ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY MOBILIZING]
The Surprise of the War--The
New German Siege Gun
These are the guns that battered Namur into ruins, reduced Meubeuge, and
were employed in the capture of Antwerp. The Germans demonstrated their
marvelous efficiency in the "art of war" by keeping the existence of
these fort-destroyers a complete secret until they were ready to use
them against Belgium and France.
The guns are transported in sections by rail as far as possible, and
then by great traction engines. The block of wood in the cannon's mouth
protects the chamber from dust and rust.
[Illustration: THE SURPRISE OF THE WAR--THE NEW GERMAN SIEGE GUN
PHOTO (C) BROWN BROS., N.Y.]