March in to Damascus (Photograph Album Belonging to James McBey)

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

AssociatedAssociated with Sir Henry Chauvel (Tabulam, New South Wales, Australia, 1865 - 1945)

Date1918

Object NamePhotograph

Mediumphotograph

ClassificationsMcBey

Dimensions6.4 x 10.8cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1983 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG000686.303

Keywords

About MeBlack and white photograph taken during James McBey's service as Official War Artist, which he begun 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.

The photograph depicts the march through Damascus, which took place on 2 October 1918, the day after the capture of Damascus. The march was led by senior officer of the Australian Imperial Force, Lieutenant General Sir Henry Chauvel. The squadrons represented Australian light horse, French Chasseurs d'Afrique and Spahis, British Yeomen, Indian cavalry regiments and a squadron of 2nd Light Horse Brigade. The march through Damascus began at 12:30 and finished at 15:00.

During the march Chauvel took possesion of the house belonging to Djemal Pasha, who effectively ruled the Ottoman Empire thorughout World War One, alongside Enver and Talaat, as part of the Three Pashas.

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.