Studio portrait of a Chinese man in civilian dress, possibly a translator for 55th Company, Chinese Labour Corps, 1919 (c)

This photograph is inscribed 'To QM 55th Coy CLC with ever best wishes from Yours Truly Y F Chang, 3.8/19 France'.

Chinese labourers served on the Western Front building fortifications and trenches, loading and moving supplies, and maintaining transport and communication links. Without their help the Allies could not have defeated the Germans. By the end of 1917 there were 50,000 Chinese workers in France, rising to 96,000 by August 1918.

One of nine postcard portrait photographs relating to the service of CQMS George Godbolt with the Chinese Labour Corps during World War One, Western Front (1914-1918).