Fields of Battle 14-18: A Photographic Record of WWI and its Impacts
The stunning images from photographer Michael St Maur Sheil's "Fields of Battle, Lands of Peace 14-18" exhibition. The photo on the far right is an aerial view of trenches and shell holes in Beaumont Hamel, a French fortress village located just behind the German lines. © Eileen Hsieh
This month marks the the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War One, or the Great War, which claimed over 16 million lives over the course of four agonising years.
For those living in the British Empire, WWI officially began at 11pm on August 4, 1914 when England declared war on Germany. Out of the 8.7 million men who served in the British army at some time between 1914-1918, nearly 1 million of them would not come home, either killed in action, died of wounds, diseases or injury, or missing, presumed dead.
Remembering the fallen. © Eileen Hsieh
Exhibition held in London's St James's Park. © Eileen Hsieh
The Western Front in France and Flanders, where 5.4 million British soldiers had served and fought, is the star of Fields of Battle, Lands of Peace 14-18, an exhibition by Photographer Michael St Maur Sheil now on display in London's St James's Park. Sheil returns to this land that had witnessed several major offensives and too much death a century ago, to capture its landscapes as they exist today.
The result is a collection of stunning, haunting and powerful images that reminds us of the horror of war and the battle scars that have yet to heal.
The giant photos are absolutely striking and best viewed in person. And for those who can't make it to the exhibition, you can see a few more photos on my Instagram.
Fields of Battle, Lands of Peace 14-18
Free Public Street Exhibition
Now until Armistice Day on November 11, 2014
On display directly across from Horse Guards Parade
St. James's Park, London MAP