Education and Activities: An Archive Collection Spotlight
Collection Spotlight: Education and Activities
This set of photographs make up a collection spotlight themed around education and the social life of children, soldiers, officers, and lieutenants in the army, such as their education and the activities they undertook when not in combat. These photographs have been chosen to showcase the extent of the activities in the army and the education equipment they were provided with, such as microscopes and art supplies. This spotlight also presents the methods of education which were used to ensure the armies were aware of current affairs and that the medical and engineering teams were of sufficient quality, such as quizzes and practical tests.
Above: A black and white group photograph of officers and NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) of the Army School of Education in Belgaum, taken in 1927. These officers and NCOs were tasked with educating the Indian Army.
Left: A photograph of an RAEC instructor observing a RAMC (Royal Army Medical Corps) private who is using a microscope under his supervision.
Right: A photograph of a wind brace being repaired, at Eltham Palace, August 1952. These wind braces were often used to provide stability and strength to structures.
Left: A photograph of a WRAC Captain giving a lesson in current affairs, taken in August 1963. The soldiers have a ‘Focus on Africa’, as seen in the background, and some countries in Africa are being labelled. Kenya, Tanzania, Congo and Uganda have all been labelled already.
Right: A photograph of an officer of the Border Regiment attempting a “What do you know about Berlin?” quiz. On the left of the officer, there is a timetable showing the schedule of classes for the soldiers during their time, with classes such as German, Pottery and Woodwork. Taken in 1964, this photograph was taken three years after the construction of the Berlin Wall, which is visible on a map in the quiz, showing the divide between East and West Berlin.
Left: A photograph of the Sergeants Mess, Regimental Pay Office Taunton. Some soldiers are drinking, some are smoking, and others in the centre are in a competitive game of cards.
Right: A black and white photograph of Lieutenant Colonel Gettins sitting on a horse in the road. The photograph is on brown boarding.
Left: A black and white photograph of an art lesson on Egypt at the Duke of York’s Royal Military School, taken in May 1961. The majority of the paintings mention the famous pyramids, with the painting in the centre describing them as “For the dead past of Egypt”, and another painting featuring a camel.
Right: A photograph of soldiers eating their dinner, at the Regimental Pay Office, Taunton. The majority of soldiers have not noticed the camera, but a handful certainly have.
