Capture of Jenin (Photograph Album Belonging to James McBey)

OwnerOwned by James McBey (Newburgh, Scotland, 1883 - 1959)

Date1918

Object NamePhotograph

Mediumphotograph

ClassificationsMcBey

Dimensions7.8 x 11.6cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1983 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG000686.234

Keywords

About MeSepia photograph depicting two army vehicles driving through part of Jenin, Palestine. The photograph was taken on 18 September 1918, two days before the Australian Mounted Division of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) attacked and captured the town of Jenin. This caused thousands of Ottoman Empire and German Empire soldiers to retreat to Damascus road from the Judean Hills.

A British Empire infantry and artillery attack facilitated the breakthrough, creating a gap for the EEF to ride northwards and capture the two Ottoman armies' main lines of supply and communications. Roughly 8000 Ottoman soldiers, who had been attempting to retreat northwards were captured, and the majority were marched into holding camps near the Palestinian village of Lejjun.

During this time, James McBey was serving here as Official War Artist, having begun his service on 26 May 1917. The photograph is kept within a hardback photograph album, with faux leather overlay, along with a series of other related images.

This object is part of an archive that belonged to Marguerite McBey. As a result of her generosity, Aberdeen Art Gallery holds the largest archive of James McBey's work, including prints, drawings, sketchbooks, oil paintings and memorabilia such as this photograph.