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Defences Collection

Background imageDefences Collection: Jaffna, Sri Lanka, 1671

Jaffna, Sri Lanka, 1671
The Dutch fort at Jaffna at the northern extremity of the island. The solid defences indicate that the Europeans expect to be attacked at any moment

Background imageDefences Collection: Natal Native Contingent (NCC) armed with assegais

Natal Native Contingent (NCC) armed with assegais
Photograph of members of the Natal Native Contingent (NCC) armed with assegais (short spears) and shields, 1879 (c). The NNC was formed in 1878 to bolster the defences of the British colony of Natal

Background imageDefences Collection: Singapore, bastion in the East, by G. H. Davis

Singapore, bastion in the East, by G. H. Davis
Britains great bastion in the East: Singapore, stubborn obstacle to Japans ambitious projects in Southern Asia during the Second World War

Background imageDefences Collection: Restaurant de la Reserve, Nice, France

Restaurant de la Reserve, Nice, France. Date: circa 1910s

Background imageDefences Collection: First English Civil War: Siege of Lathom House, 1644

First English Civil War: Siege of Lathom House, 1644
Royalist stronghold Lathom House in Lancashire defies Parlimentarian pressure and raises the royal standard. The ensuing siege lasted three months, but was eventually lifted

Background imageDefences Collection: RAF Bombers over Berlin; Second World War, 1943

RAF Bombers over Berlin; Second World War, 1943
Illustration showing Royal Air Force bombers heading towards their target of Berlin during the Spring of 1943

Background imageDefences Collection: Winston Churchil visiting gun sites, England, 1944

Winston Churchil visiting gun sites, England, 1944
Winston Churchill visiting anti flying bomb defences in June 1944. Seen here at a gun battery in southern England

Background imageDefences Collection: Ischia, Italy - Castello Aragonese

Ischia, Italy - Castello Aragonese, the Castle of Alfonso I of Aragon Date: circa 1905

Background imageDefences Collection: American Troops landing on D-Day; Second World War, 1944

American Troops landing on D-Day; Second World War, 1944
Photograph showing American troops storming one of the Normandy beaches on D-Day, 6 June 1944

Background imageDefences Collection: HAWKER HURRICANE 1

HAWKER HURRICANE 1
Though lacking the glamour of the Spitfire, the plainer Hurricane is more widely used, downing more German aircraft than the rest of the defences combined

Background imageDefences Collection: Winston Churchill Visiting Coastal Defences near Dover

Winston Churchill Visiting Coastal Defences near Dover

Background imageDefences Collection: Uhlans at Liege

Uhlans at Liege
A detachment of German Uhlans charging a fort at Liege, Belgium, only to encounter the barbed wire defences constructed by order of General Liman, commander of the Belgian troops in Liege

Background imageDefences Collection: Durham Castle from Wear

Durham Castle from Wear
Durham Castle (now part of Durham Univerity) with the fantastic Norman Cathedral in the background. Framwellgate Bridge is in the foreground Date: 1950s

Background imageDefences Collection: Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

Batticaloa, Sri Lanka
The Dutch fort at Batticaloa, on the east coast of the island. The solid defences are evidence that the Europeans expect to be attacked at any moment

Background imageDefences Collection: Hunstanton beach, Norfolk - 2

Hunstanton beach, Norfolk - 2
A woman walks her two dogs on the deserted beach at Hunstanton, Norfolk Date: 1990

Background imageDefences Collection: Martello Tower, Corsica

Martello Tower, Corsica Date: 1809

Background imageDefences Collection: Aircraft Observer Post, WWII

Aircraft Observer Post, WWII
Aircraft Observer Post, during World War II. Observers on lookout duty behind sandbags

Background imageDefences Collection: Siege of Paris - Aerial

Siege of Paris - Aerial
THE SIEGE OF PARIS An aerial view from the south, showing the French defences surrounding the city, including several outlying forts

Background imageDefences Collection: Churchill and family visits anti-flying bomb defences, 1944

Churchill and family visits anti-flying bomb defences, 1944
Mr. Winston Churchill and his youngest daughter Mary Churchill see anti-flying bomb defences. Mrs

Background imageDefences Collection: United Arts Volunteer Rifles, 1916

United Arts Volunteer Rifles, 1916
United Arts Volunteer Rifles constructing defences at Woldingham during World War I in 1916

Background imageDefences Collection: Sebastopol, Crimean War

Sebastopol, Crimean War
Interior of the Malakoff Tower, the most important of the Russian defences, taken by the French on 8 September

Background imageDefences Collection: Wembley presents the case for air-raid defence

Wembley presents the case for air-raid defence
Visitors to Wembley watching the Defences of London in the Government Building of the Empire Exhibition

Background imageDefences Collection: The Citadel, Cairo, Egypt, North Africa

The Citadel, Cairo, Egypt, North Africa
The Citadel of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi (Saladin) and Muhammad Ali Mosque, Cairo, Egypt, North Africa. Date: circa 1909

Background imageDefences Collection: Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). Battle of Chateaudun

Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). Battle of Chateaudun (18 October 1870)

Background imageDefences Collection: Khyber Pass - Afghanistan/Pakistan - Fort Peshawar

Khyber Pass - Afghanistan/Pakistan - Fort Peshawar
The Khyber Pass - the mountain pass that links Pakistan and Afghanistan. Throughout history it has been an important trade route between Central Asia and South Asia and a strategic military location

Background imageDefences Collection: Typical Norman Castle

Typical Norman Castle. Date: 11th century

Background imageDefences Collection: The Ramparts and the Harbour - Tangier, Morocco

The Ramparts and the Harbour - Tangier, Morocco
The Ramparts and the Harbour - Tangier, a Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar. Date: 1903

Background imageDefences Collection: Malta - Valletta - Custom House

Malta - Valletta - Custom House Date: circa 1910s

Background imageDefences Collection: German pillbox at Builecourt during the First World War

German pillbox at Builecourt during the First World War

Background imageDefences Collection: Dubrovnik, Croatia - The Main Entrance Gate

Dubrovnik, Croatia - The Main Entrance Gate
Dubrovnik, Croatia - The Old Walled Town - The Main Entrance Gate to the City. Date: circa 1930s

Background imageDefences Collection: St Mawes, Cornwall - The Castle

St Mawes, Cornwall - The Castle - an artillery fort constructed by Henry VIII near Falmouth, Cornwall, between 1540 and 1542

Background imageDefences Collection: Tsar Nicholas II and his two eldest daughters, Crimea

Tsar Nicholas II and his two eldest daughters, Crimea
Russia - Tsar Nicholas II and his two eldest daughters at the Forts, Sevastopol, Crimea Date: circa 1909

Background imageDefences Collection: Fortified medieval castle at Sedan, Ardennes, France

Fortified medieval castle at Sedan, Ardennes, France
The Fortifications of the fortified medieval castle at Sedan, Ardennes, France - claimed to be the largest in Europe. Date: 1915

Background imageDefences Collection: Middle Ages. Wood mantlet on wheels. Engraving by Serra

Middle Ages. Wood mantlet on wheels. Engraving by Serra
Middle Ages. Mantlet. Large shield or portable shelter used for stopping projectiles. Wood mantlet on wheels. Engraving by Serra. Museo Militar, 1883. Later colouration. Date: 2020

Background imageDefences Collection: Lynmouth harbour side view with boats and bridge

Lynmouth harbour side view with boats and bridge
Lynmouth is a small village in South Devon near Exmoor. It is a picturesque holiday spot as the image shows. In 1952 it suffered from severe flooding which led to the strengthing of the sea defences

Background imageDefences Collection: Auxiliary Territorial Service using search lights at night to spot on coming aircraft

Auxiliary Territorial Service using search lights at night to spot on coming aircraft. Date: 1943

Background imageDefences Collection: City gateway, Rock of Gibraltar, c. 1880 s

City gateway, Rock of Gibraltar, c. 1880 s
City gateway, Rock of Gibraltar, c.1880 s

Background imageDefences Collection: Joes Bridge on the Belgian-Dutch border

Joes Bridge on the Belgian-Dutch border
Operation Market Garden was a combined British & American land and air operation planned to break into and around the German defences & then on into Germany itself

Background imageDefences Collection: Imaginary raft, Napoleonic invasion of England

Imaginary raft, Napoleonic invasion of England
Imaginary raft for a Napoleonic invasion of England which never happened. Date: circa 1804

Background imageDefences Collection: De Soto Attacks the Alabama Fort

De Soto Attacks the Alabama Fort
Hernando De Soto attacks a fortified town in Alabama in 1540. Various artillery fires towards the towns defences, as cavalry from various positions around the town ride forward. Date: 1540

Background imageDefences Collection: The Ruins of the Principal Church at Paysandu 1865

The Ruins of the Principal Church at Paysandu 1865
The church at Paysandu was extremely damaged during the Siege of Paysandu during the Paraguayan War

Background imageDefences Collection: The Capture of Tabasco 1847

The Capture of Tabasco 1847
The capture of Tabasco by U.S. naval forces under Commodore Perry

Background imageDefences Collection: Map of the Battle of Buena Vista

Map of the Battle of Buena Vista
A map of the formations and placements of troops and defences of the Mexican and American forces at the battle of Buena Vista. Date: 1847

Background imageDefences Collection: Drakes fleet at Santo Domingo

Drakes fleet at Santo Domingo
Detailed map of the Spanish defences position of Santo Domingo, and the corresponding English naval positions. Date: 1586

Background imageDefences Collection: Putting up flood barricades, Bermondsey, London

Putting up flood barricades, Bermondsey, London
Putting up sandbags as flood barricades in Rotherhithe Street, Bermondsey, London. 1928

Background imageDefences Collection: Postcard booklet, seawall at Galveston, Texas, USA

Postcard booklet, seawall at Galveston, Texas, USA, with waves breaking near the Crystal Palace. Date: 1942

Background imageDefences Collection: Normans attacking Hereward the Wakes refuge

Normans attacking Hereward the Wakes refuge
Hereward the Wake, also known as Hereward the Outlaw or Hereward the Exile (1035-1072) - an Anglo-Saxon nobleman and a leader of local resistance to the Norman Conquest of England

Background imageDefences Collection: German sentry WWII

German sentry WWII
German sentry on duty on the Channel coast in France during World War II Date: 1939-1945

Background imageDefences Collection: Anti-tank obstacle, looking north from pillbox 766522 towards Halliun

Anti-tank obstacle, looking north from pillbox 766522 towards Halliun and Menin Church on the Western front during World War II. 2nd Northants, 17th Infantry Brigade Date: 21st January 1940

Background imageDefences Collection: The Straits of Yenikale with the Bay and the town of Kerch from the old Fort of Yenikale

The Straits of Yenikale with the Bay and the town of Kerch from the old Fort of Yenikale Date: circa 1855

Background imageDefences Collection: Wellingtons force attack the French at CIUDAD RODRIGO

Wellingtons force attack the French at CIUDAD RODRIGO, a key fortress on the Portugal- Spain frontier; after fierce fighting, the defences are overcome Date: 15 January 1812

Background imageDefences Collection: Murten (Morat), Switzerland - The Ramparts

Murten (Morat), Switzerland - The Ramparts
Murten (Morat), Fribourg Canton, Switzerland - The Ramparts. circa 1910s

Background imageDefences Collection: CARCASSONNE / OUTER 1910

CARCASSONNE / OUTER 1910
Carcassonne: outer defences Date: circa 1910

Background imageDefences Collection: LILLE - DEFENDED TOWN

LILLE - DEFENDED TOWN
The Town and fortress of Lille. Date: Early 19th century

Background imageDefences Collection: MINES AT PORT ARTHUR

MINES AT PORT ARTHUR
A Japanese battleship sails dangerously close to Russian mines placed there in defence of Port Arthur during the Russo-Japan war Date: 1904

Background imageDefences Collection: SEBASTOPOL BATTLE PLAN

SEBASTOPOL BATTLE PLAN
Battle plan showing the fortifications : the Mamelon, and the Malakoff beyond it, are the key defences the Allies have to overcome before they can take the city itself Date: 1854 - 1855

Background imageDefences Collection: SIEGE OF PARIS - AERIAL

SIEGE OF PARIS - AERIAL
THE SIEGE OF PARIS An aerial view from the south, showing the French defences surrounding the city, including several outlying forts Date: 1870 - 1871

Background imageDefences Collection: WW2-era patriotic British postcard - Predictor, Height finder and 3. 7 Ack Ack (A. A

WW2-era patriotic British postcard - Predictor, Height finder and 3. 7 Ack Ack (A. A
WW2-era patriotic British postcard - Predictor, Height finder and 3.7 Ack Ack (A.A.) Gun. Date: circa 1945

Background imageDefences Collection: Rumelihisari, Istanbul, Turkey

Rumelihisari, Istanbul, Turkey - a medieval fortress located in Istanbul, Turkey, on a series of hills on the European banks of the Bosphorus. Date: circa 1920s

Background imageDefences Collection: Delhi, India - Lahori Gate, Fort Delhi (Red Fort)

Delhi, India - Lahori Gate, Fort Delhi (Red Fort) - built by Enperor Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648. Date: 1911

Background imageDefences Collection: Cramond Island Causeway sea defence pylons at low tide

Cramond Island Causeway sea defence pylons at low tide in dawn light. Edinburgh, Scotland Date: 2012

Background imageDefences Collection: Sea wall at Severn Beach, a village on the Severn Estuary

Sea wall at Severn Beach, a village on the Severn Estuary
The sea wall at Severn Beach, a village on the Severn Estuary in South Gloucestershire, England

Background imageDefences Collection: Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland. Looking south east

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland. Looking south east. Early morning on a winter day Date: 2014

Background imageDefences Collection: Old coulple, Kings Lynn

Old coulple, Kings Lynn
An elderly couple sitting on folding chairs behind a wooden sea defence on a beach near Kings Lynn, Norfolk. First published The Sunday Times Date: 1990

Background imageDefences Collection: Hunstanton beach, Norfolk - 1

Hunstanton beach, Norfolk - 1
Two people excercise their dogs on the beach at Hunstanton, Norfolk, England. In the foreground are wooden piles and the picture is taken into the light Date: 1990

Background imageDefences Collection: Ww2 Germans in France

Ww2 Germans in France
The German army penetrates French defences. Date: June 1940

Background imageDefences Collection: Liege cupola fort diagram 1914

Liege cupola fort diagram 1914
A sectional view of one of the Liege Cupola forts, with its surrounding barbed wire defences

Background imageDefences Collection: Defences of El Agheila, Libya, by G. H. Davis

Defences of El Agheila, Libya, by G. H. Davis
Where Rommel planned to make his final stand in Libya during the Second World War: El Agheila and its formidable natural defences

Background imageDefences Collection: Maginot Line fortifications by G. H. Davis

Maginot Line fortifications by G. H. Davis
With Asparagus anti-tank defences: Maginot Line fortifications at the start of the Second World War

Background imageDefences Collection: First Serbian Uprising of 1804

First Serbian Uprising of 1804
Scene from the First Serbian Uprising, the first stage of the Serbian Revolution, the ultimately successful wars of independence that lasted for 9 years and approximately 9 months (18041813)

Background imageDefences Collection: Cartagena, Colombia - Old City Walls

Cartagena, Colombia - Old City Walls
Cartagena (de Indias), Colombia on the Northern Caribbean Sea Coast. The stone walls of the old city. Date: circa 1920s

Background imageDefences Collection: British soldiers at Le Touquet, France, WW1

British soldiers at Le Touquet, France, WW1
British soldiers manning defences at Le Touquet, France, during the winter of 1914-1915, First World War. Date: 1914-1915

Background imageDefences Collection: Mazagan (El Jadida), Morocco

Mazagan (El Jadida), Morocco
The Harem of a Moorish Minister embarking at Mazagan

Background imageDefences Collection: Sailing boat passing the Chateau D If - Marseille, France

Sailing boat passing the Chateau D If - Marseille, France Date: circa 1910s

Background imageDefences Collection: Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine - Turkish Tower and Synagogue

Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine - Turkish Tower and Synagogue
Turkish Tower and Synagogue at Kamianets-Podilskyi (Kamyanets-Podilsky or Kamenets-Podolsky) - a city located on the Smotrych River in western Ukraine. Date: 1906

Background imageDefences Collection: WW1 - Defences, St. Louis French Military Hospital, Damascus

WW1 - Defences, St. Louis French Military Hospital, Damascus
WW1 - Defences in front of the St. Louis French Military Hospital on the Grande Rue El-Kassah, Damascus, Syria. Date: circa 1916

Background imageDefences Collection: D-Day German defences, Normandy, France, WW2

D-Day German defences, Normandy, France, WW2
D-Day German defences, Normandy, France, June 1944. 1944

Background imageDefences Collection: Uzbekistan - Tashkent - Building Riverside Fortifications

Uzbekistan - Tashkent - Building Riverside Fortifications - Chirchiq River. Date: circa 1908

Background imageDefences Collection: Barbed wire party freeze under enemy star shell, WW1

Barbed wire party freeze under enemy star shell, WW1
A detachment of British soldiers, busy setting up barbed wire defences freeze momentarily as the area is lit up by an enemy star-shell

Background imageDefences Collection: The British fleet at Spithead

The British fleet at Spithead
The British Fleet was concentrated at Spithead a fortnight before the outbreak of World War I

Background imageDefences Collection: The Watchers by Dudley Tennant, WW1 floodlights

The Watchers by Dudley Tennant, WW1 floodlights
A mother tucks her young child up in bed while looking at the lights projected across the sky by searchlights searching for enemy aircraft during the First World War. Date: 1917

Background imageDefences Collection: Searchlights looking for Zeppelins over London, WW1

Searchlights looking for Zeppelins over London, WW1
Searchlights throwing up shafts of light over the London skyline in September 1914, on the look out for German Zeppelin aircraft

Background imageDefences Collection: Large Mounted Crossbow

Large Mounted Crossbow
A large mounted crossbow capable of firing a wide range of projectiles from iron balls to fire bombs and metal lances Date: 1588

Background imageDefences Collection: Turkey - Istanbul - Sea Wall near the Palace of Boukoleon

Turkey - Istanbul - Sea Wall near the Palace of Boukoleon
Turkey - Istanbul - Sea Wall near The Palace of Boukoleon on the shore of the Sea of Marmara, to the south of the Hippodrome and east of the Little Hagia Sophia. Date: circa 1910s



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