Britse soldaten in een open treinwagon in Zuid-Afrika 1900

This 19th-century stereograph, created by Underwood & Underwood, captures British soldiers in an open train wagon in South Africa. The photograph presents a stark view of the men who were part of the colonial military apparatus. The soldiers are packed tightly into these wagons, evoking a sense of dehumanization and anonymity. It also hints at the broader socio-political context of British imperialism in South Africa, where race, class, and military power were deeply intertwined. The men's expressions remain unreadable, leaving us to imagine the emotional toll of their participation in this colonial project. Do they feel a sense of duty or fear? What are they thinking? The photograph challenges the traditional glorification of military campaigns. It pushes us to consider the emotional and personal experiences of those involved, inviting reflection on the lasting impacts of colonialism.