François Richard DE MONTHOLON (1856-1940) - Lot 180

François Richard DE MONTHOLON (1856-1940) Sikh Indian troops camp, Bruyères-Saint-Julien British camp in Rouen, circa 1915-1917 Oil on canvas signed lower right 33 x 46 cm François Richard de Montholon produced a series of works at the Bruyères British Camp. Whether in oil on canvas or watercolor, the artist depicts the daily life of the Sikhs at the camp, with scenes of cooking, laundry... Many Indian soldiers and workers were part of the British forces present in Rouen during the Second World War, India being British at the time. A special convalescent camp for Indian soldiers was set up in Rouen, as well as a general hospital. Indians served as soldiers in the infantry and cavalry, but also as supply workers and in the horse hospital. Housed in rudimentary and harsh conditions, they played an essential role, both logistically, in the operation of the military infrastructure, and in the smooth running of British military operations. Nearly 350 Indians are buried in the Rouen military cemetery, the largest British necropolis in France. Nearly 140,000 soldiers and 5,000 Indian workers were deployed to serve the British army during the Second World War.