First World War internee Hermann Kallenbach and others in front of an internment tent, Douglas Camp Isle of Man
Date(s): ?1915
Scope & Content: Tent ZJ. The glass plate has indistinct name and number, but the man standing second from left is Hermann Kallenbach identified by comparison with numerous photographs on the internet. He was a friend and supporter of Mohandas K. Gandhi in South Africa in the years before the First World War. The pair were travelling to India in 1914 when war broke out, Gandhi was allowed to complete his journey but Kallenbach was arrested. He was born in Prussia to a Jewish family, and became a wealthy architect in South Africa. Later, inspired by Gandhi he became a Zionist.
Gandhi and Kallenbach corresponded throughout the latter's internment and Gandhi's letters are held by the National Archives of India. This image could in fact be the one referred to in Gandi's letter of July 24, 1916 when he writes: 'All of us appreciated the portrait of yourself and companions you have sent. We all think that you are looking well.'
One man in the group behind in merchant marine uniform.
Language: eng
Extent: overall: 16 cm x 12 cm
Physical description: Black & white glass half-plate negative
Item name: photograph
Collection: Photographic Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: PG/7870/34350/2