Historical information

The Battle of Jerusalem occurred during the British Empire's "Jerusalem Operations" against the Ottoman Empire, when fighting for the city developed from 17 November, continuing after the surrender until 30 December 1917, to secure the final objective of the Southern Palestine Offensive during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign of World War I. (Wikipedia)

On 11 December, General Edmund Allenby humbly entered the Old City on foot through the Jaffa Gate instead of horse or vehicles to show respect for the holy city. He was the first Christian in many centuries to control Jerusalem, which is a very important site for many faiths. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Lloyd George described the capture as "a Christmas present for the British people". The battle was a great morale boost for the British Empire.(wikipedia)

Physical description

Photograph showing a number of soldiers on a raised platform, including General Allanby. Locals look on from below, some wearing fez hats.

Inscriptions & markings

Verso: Reading the proclamation at Jerusalem. General Allenby in centre. This photo no doubt will be valuable one day. Palestine, 1918