Previously unseen photographs of a soldier’s time fighting in the First World War are being recognised by a national museum 100 years later.
Major General Nathaniel Barnardiston, who was born at The Ryes in Little Henny in 1858, fought in the Siege of Tsingtao in 1914 - a largely forgotten campaign in the Far East.
Some 1,500 soldiers under the command of Major General Barnardiston were sent to China to support Japan’s attempt to take back the port of Tsingtao from German control.
The German garrison, despite being heavily outnumbered, held out for over two months before finally surrendering on November 7 and handing over the port three days later.
With the port’s capture British forces were withdrawn.
Twelve soldiers had died and 53 were wounded.
Two photograph albums belonging to Major General Barnardiston, one of which was presented to him by the Osaka Daily News when he visited Japan in 1914, shed light on the often forgotten campaign.
The National Army Museum now have these photographs, which they have posted online with Major General Barnardiston’s story.
He died on 18 August 1919 at Felixstowe Cottage Hospital.
He is buried at St Mary’s Church in Great Henny.
Visit www.nam.ac.uk/microsites/ww1/stories/major-general-nathaniel-barnardiston
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