| Place | Middle East: Syria |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART30091 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | Overall: 24.2 x 37.4 cm |
| Object type | Work on paper |
| Physical description | watercolour over pencil on paper |
| Maker |
Herbert, Harold |
| Place made | Syria |
| Date made | 1941 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Entrance to Fort Khiam
Description
Depicts the entrance to Fort Khiam (or Al Khiam), previously part of Syria, is now within the borders of Lebanon. It has been the site of so many occupying armies from different nations that its name means tents in Arabic. Before the allies took it, the fort was occupied by the Vichy French, and written on the gate is 'Khiam / 3EME Compagnie'. The Syrian Campaign involved Australian troops, mostly from the 7th Division, fighting alongside allied troops against the Vichy French in Syria and Lebanon. The artist wrote 'Entrance to Fort Khiam. Curiously enough two sturdy eucalyptus trees flank the entrance inside. The Fort is much battered, the iron gates are twisted and bent. The 'architectural' part of the gateway is cement and colour-washed. Originally pink. Geraniums and shrubs are dotted are and there.'