33rd Punjabis marching out of Sheikh Othman, 1916 (c)

Photograph, World War One, Aden, 1916 (c).

The 33rd Punjabis were part of an Anglo-Indian force tasked with defending Aden from Turkish attacks from the Arabian hinterland. Britain first occupied Aden in 1839. Its position, equidistant from the Suez Canal and Bombay, made it a key coaling station for British shipping.

From an album compiled by an officer of the Aden Field Force, 1916-1919, relating to the Royal Artillery, Hampshire Regiment, East Surrey Regiment and 33rd Punjabis.