Presentation of the Standard of the Saumur School to Young Officer Cadets in France (February 12, 1940)

This black and white photograph, taken on February 12, 1940 (NYT PARIS 12.2.40), documents "LA PRESENTATION DE L'ETENDARD DE L'ECOLE DE SAUMUR AUX JEUNES ELEVES-OFFICIERS" (The Presentation of the Standard of the Saumur School to Young Officer Cadets) in France during the early stages of World War II ("II Pierre Mondial"). The image, which features a grainy texture, captures a formal military formation with rows of soldiers wearing helmets and holding rifles. The composition places the viewer from behind the troops, looking through what appears to be a cannon barrel towards a background featuring a building and a distant spire. The image was authorized for publication by censorship (VISA DE LA CENSURE N° 50.071).