Sir Douglas Haig introducing Sir Pertab Singh to General Joffre, 1916 (c)

Photograph, World War One, Western Front (1914-1918), 1916 (c).

Sir Pertab Singh (1845-1922) (standing on the left) was the Maharaja of Idar between 1902 and 1911. He also served at various times as regent and chief minister of the princely state of Jodhpur. A fine soldier, in 1879 he accompanied the British mission to Afghanistan. Pertab Singh later served on the staffs of Sir William Lockhart and General Elles during the Tirah and Momand expeditions of 1897-1898. In this campaign, he sustained minor injuries, was mentioned in despatches, and promoted to colonel.

When it was decided to send a force from India to China in 1900 to relieve the foreign embassies besieged in Peking, he at once offered the services of the Jodhpur Lancers, and himself accompanied them. Seen here meeting the French Chief of Staff, General Joffre, he volunteered for the front during the First World War. His young nephew, the Maharaja of Jodhpur, placed the whole of the resources of his state at the disposal of the British Government during the War.

One of a collection of 33 postcard photographs, some taken from official photographs.