Persian Corridor - Persia and Iraq Command (PAIFORCE)

Album of 73 gelatin silver print photographs mounted with translucent corners onto black cardstock leaves. Photographs consist of seldom seen images of the Persian Corridor supply route traversing through Iran immediately following the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran during the Second World War, compiled by a British officer of the Persia and Iraq Command (PAIFORCE). Together with a map of Iran printed in 1940 with a notice "For Official use Only," loosely placed within.

The Paiforce consisted of the 8th Indian Infantry Division and 10th Indian Infantry Division of General William Slim, the second Indian Light Armoured Brigade (2nd Indian Armoured Brigade) of General John Aizlewood, the 1st Cavalry Brigade General James Joseph Kingstone and 21st Indian Infantry Brigade of the Army of British India. The invading Allies had 200,000 troops and modern aircraft, tanks, and artillery.

"The Persian Corridor" was a goal of the Anglo-Soviet Invasion of Iran, and is illustrated here in a primary source photographic record captured by a participating British officer.

Some of the views are captured are in the Dokhtar Pass [Gardaneh-ye Kotal Dokhtar]. High jagged rock faces suggest that the men also explored or performed covert operations in the Hayghar Valley. Glimpses into the life of nomadic families are captured in three scenes, showing a small tent settlement. In the city stands a the Jameh Mosque of Lar dating to the Safavid dynasty, and located in Larestan County, in the southern parts of Fars Province.

The album also contains excellent views of Persepolis, with the army officers casually strolling about. One officer points to the carved inscription made by Henry Morton Stanley into the historic monuments at Persepolis in 1870.