King's Own Royal Regiment Museum

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© Images are copyright, Trustees of the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum.
 You must seek permission prior to publication of any of our images.


141 Days: The Battle of the Somme

The Tea Caravan

Like soldiers anywhere and at anytime, those serving in 1916 had money that they were always keen to spend. There were probably more things to buy than you would think! Whilst writing paper could often be obtained free of charge from the YMCA or Church Army Hut soldiers loved to buy postcards to send home to their family and friends. Postcards ranged from simple photographic cards, to romantic cards and embroidered silk cards. There were cards illustrating some of the scenes of destroyed towns and villages along the Front.

If a postcard was not enough, there were many souvenirs and sweetheart badges or brooches which could be sent back home as presents for wives and children.

And if presents for home was not what you wanted you could always buy strong, sweet tea, Bovril, Cocoa and cigarettes.

Our caravan displays just some of the things typically available to soldiers behind the front line.

 


Soldiers could buy many things to send home to their loved ones.


Postcards, badges and brooches to a doll sent home to a soldier's daughter.

 

Next: Spectrum Trench, October 1916

Supported by the Sir John Fisher Foundation and the Army Museums Ogilby Trust

 

© Images are copyright, Trustees of the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum.
 You must seek permission prior to publication of any of our images.

Only a proportion of our collections are on display at anyone time.  Certain items are on loan for display in other institutions.  An appointment is required to consult any of our collections which are held in store.

© 2016 Trustees of the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum