Chinese Laborers in WWI Europe (1 Viewer)

[PolarBear]

I came across this interesting facet of WWI history about the Chinese Labour Battalions that aided the Allies in Europe during the Great War. They were part of the Colonial forces which included soldiers from India and North Africa that were stationed in Europe during the war.

 

[binder001]

If I remember my tank legends correctly these laborers are the reason that a British tank regiment still paints eyes on the front of their tanks. When the first tanks had been shipped to France and were being assembled some Chinese laborers were involved and were seen painting eyes on the fronts of the beasts. When asked why they were doing this they replied "tank no have eyes, no can see.."

Gary B.

 

[PolarBear]

If I remember my tank legends correctly these laborers are the reason that a British tank regiment still paints eyes on the front of their tanks. When the first tanks had been shipped to France and were being assembled some Chinese laborers were involved and were seen painting eyes on the fronts of the beasts. When asked why they were doing this they replied "tank no have eyes, no can see.."

Gary B.

Gary

A fascinating piece of armor history.

Randy

 

[The Military Workshop]

Gary and Randy,
Thanks for that. Very interesting. I have learnt two things I never knew.
Regards
Brett

 

[trooper]

The War Medal issued to the Chinese labourers was in bronze, as opposed to the general issue which was of silver. Presumely because they were not organised as a military body.

 

[blaster]

Randy and All,

Thanks for sharing this!

Rgds Victor

 

[trooper]

Another image showing Chinese Labour Corps mechanics repairing tank engines.

 

[PolarBear]

Another image showing Chinese Labour Corps mechanics repairing tank engines.

Thanks--that's great.

It would be nice to see some Chinese figures done along with representatives of the other Colonial troops fighting in Europe during WWI

 

[glossman]

The War Medal issued to the Chinese labourers was in bronze, as opposed to the general issue which was of silver. Presumely because they were not organised as a military body.

Hello trooper,

Do you have a picture of the bronze medal issued to the Chinese labourers ?

Thanks, Raymond.

 

[Rob]

If I remember my tank legends correctly these laborers are the reason that a British tank regiment still paints eyes on the front of their tanks. When the first tanks had been shipped to France and were being assembled some Chinese laborers were involved and were seen painting eyes on the fronts of the beasts. When asked why they were doing this they replied "tank no have eyes, no can see.."

Gary B.

Absolutely right.There is a WW1 MKV British Tank at the Imperial War museum with eyes still painted at the front on either side;

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mark_V_Tank_Imperial_War_Museum.jpg

Rob

 

[PolarBear]

Hello trooper,

Do you have a picture of the bronze medal issued to the Chinese labourers ?

Thanks, Raymond.

British War Medal 1914-18
This medal commemorates some of the bloodiest battles that have ever been fought by British & Commonwealth troops. The medal was instituted by King George V in 1919 to mark the end of the First World War and record the service given. Although the First World War ended in 1918, the qualification period was extended to cover post-war mine clearance and service in Russia during 1919-20.

A total of approximately 6,500,000 silver medals were issued. A total of approximately 110,000 bronze versions of this medal were issued to Chinese, Maltese, Indian and other native Labour Corps and also to other native personnel who were mobilised for war service and received pay at military rates.

 

[glossman]

British War Medal 1914-18
This medal commemorates some of the bloodiest battles that have ever been fought by British & Commonwealth troops. The medal was instituted by King George V in 1919 to mark the end of the First World War and record the service given. Although the First World War ended in 1918, the qualification period was extended to cover post-war mine clearance and service in Russia during 1919-20.

A total of approximately 6,500,000 silver medals were issued. A total of approximately 110,000 bronze versions of this medal were issued to Chinese, Maltese, Indian and other native Labour Corps and also to other native personnel who were mobilised for war service and received pay at military rates.

Randy,

Thanks very much for the picture of the British War Medal 1914-18.

Raymond.

 

[Iron Brigade]

Hello trooper,

Do you have a picture of the bronze medal issued to the Chinese labourers ?

Thanks, Raymond.

Hello "Glossman":
A long time ago I remember seeing an old WW1 photo of P.O.W.'s held by the WW1 Germans. It was a special photo showing a POW from each of perhaps 18 or more nations representing all the nations at war with Germany.
From: "Iron Brigade" - Gary