aidstation

The shot of the inside of the hospital train car is what caught my eye.

The lower photo caption says ".......speeding towards the coast.....". It is difficult to identify the interior of the coach as to its origins, but from the interior roof line, I am surmising the coach is either French or Belgian - further research needed. Meantime I am of the view that English (plus US, South African etc) built coaches at that time had proper opening windows in the Clerestory, whilst this coach seems to be equipped with ventilators there, and also along the lower sides. Perhaps for medical reasons? Also the formers, all shaped, inside the roof are unusual. Compare with the interior views currently available from all relevant images within the Clerestory Group : click here........ . Have you anything further to confirm one way of another? The National Railway Museum (York, UK), is also using this image for their WW1 Ambulance Train exhibition (current August 2016). Based on their image, the "A" on the far wall of the coach stands for 'Ward A'. For other relevant Ambulance train photos in the Clerestory Group, so far, click here....... . .

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chauconin-Neufmontiers Seemingly misspelled on negative.
See note under

Likely the same church: www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/6174908793/

Yes, it's the right size, and the church of Saint-Barthélemy was converted to a hospital during the battles in September, 1914: www.chauconin-neufmontiers.fr/crbst_41.html

From en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armee_d%27_Afrique "At the outbreak of war in August 1914, the Army of Africa in Algeria and Tunisia comprised nine regiments of Algerian Tirailleurs, four of Zouaves, six of Chasseurs d'Afrique, four of Spahis and two of the Foreign Legion. In Morocco nineteen battalions of Tirailleurs and nine of Zouaves were on active service, along with elements of the Foreign Legion and the African Light Infantry. Large numbers of these troops were sent immediately to serve in France, mainly drawn from the peacetime garrisons of Algeria and Tunisia."

Original Agence Meurisse photo on Gallica site, with caption:
"Neufmoutiers : blessés marocains transportés à l'ambulance"
Neufmoutiers : Wounded Moroccan transported to an ambulance




Publication date 1914

Gordon added these photos to his favourites.(Saturday, 6/10/2012.)