This photo is part of a group of black and white prints depicting various stages of World War I in Israel.
It shows British troops marching along the main road leading to the Old City of Jerusalem. The officers are mounted on horses and inspecting the troops. Many people are watching the parade; some are standing on the pavement, while others are standing on the balconies overlooking the road, some holding umbrellas to protect them from the weather.
The picture is clearly showing a parade of the victorious troops and not recording an initial foray into the city in which the soldiers would have been dressed in combat gear including helmets and there would have been greater general commotion. On the side of the road are residents who are observing the troops with interest, with no obvious reaction to their arrival. There is much planning and organisation in evidence here, rather than the hustle and bustle which would be seen should this be the initial foray into the city. The British troops can be identified according to their ranks and to the way in which they are holding their weapons. It is also clear that they are marching victoriously, without any need to have access to their combat gear, such as helmets.
The subjects of this photo series range from senior officials in the Turkish Army to German and Turkish troops stationed in Palestine and the British Army entering Jerusalem.
The British invaded the territory of the Ottoman Empire through the Sinai Desert. After several setbacks on other fronts, the British government demanded that General Allenby conquer Jerusalem at any cost as a gift to the British Empire. The British saw Israel as not only an occupation of strategic importance but also an important boost to morale throughout the Empire.
