Request urgent help - Photos of Indian infantry & cavalry from the Palestine Campaign

[Eran Tearosh]

All,

I'm running a signpost project with the local Indian Embassy / Indian government commemorating and honoring the Indian part in the Palestine campaign (75th anniversary of India's Independence & 30 years of full diplomatic relations between India & Israel). We chose 6 sites, created a really beautiful design, and now working on final details (One sign is completed, but not positioned yet on the ground). 

Not surprising, there are almost no available Indian photos from this campaign (Not surprising, as there were official British & Australian photographers, but no Indian ones, being a part of the British-Indian Army). Preferably, I would like to add photos of the relevant units, and ideally - from the time and area of that event. I managed to sort out stuff for Junction Station & Haifa. Looking for:

The capture of Nebi Samuel - I have a few things for this, but nothing Indian. The best would be of the 123rd Outram Rifles, during the Nov-Dec 1917 offensive. If not them - any other Indian battalion of the 75th Division. 

The Battle of Sharon (Tabsor) - Very challenging. Although almost 40 Indian infantry battalions took part in the breakthrough of the ottoman front lines, I haven't find so far even one Indian photograph (Ideally, I'm looking for two). Specifically, at Tabsor itself, two Indian battalions operated - the 58th Vaughan's Rifles (Later a part of the Pakistan Army) and the 1/152 Indian Infantry (Punjab). I'm looking for anything of the two battalions, especially the latter.    

The action at Birket el-Fuleh (Vale of Jezreel) - We'll be using the famous painting of this action and I'm searching for one more photo of the 2nd Lancers, preferably from the Megiddo Campaign.   

The action at Makhdet Abu-Naj (Jordan River crossing)- That's the lesser known action, although a V.C. was awarded there (Badlu Singh). Looking for something (Anything...) of the 29th Lancers. 

 

Any assistance will be greatly appreciated!

Eran 

 

 

Edited 10 October , 2022 by Eran Tearosh

[Eran Tearosh]

Diving into IWM & AWM collections. So far, found a few relevant photos. Not great- but things look a bit better now. Nothing at all so far for 2nd Lancers & 29th Lancers 

[PRC]

As I don't subscribe I'm hoping someone with access to to the the British Newspaper Archive or the relevant subscription level with FindMyPast or Ancestry can check these out for you. These turned up with the most basic search and there may well be more to find.

Search terms "Indian Palestine"

Search terms "Outram Rifles", narrowed down to 1917 & 1918.

Search terms "Vaughans Rifles", narrowed down to 1917 & 1918.

All images courtesy FindMtPast \ British Newspaper Archives.

Even if those aren't particularly relevant \ good quality, the captions and sources may help with tracking down the sorts of pictures you are seeking.

Cheers,
Peter

[Eran Tearosh]

Thank you Peter!