Christmas and New Year card from the Front 1915-1918 (catalogue reference: RAIL 253/516)
Christmas is fast approaching; excitement is building as food and last-minute presents are bought. For many of us it’s a time to relax and consider the last year, but what would Christmas have been like 100 years ago?
Many were away from family, serving in the First World War. The MailOnline recently featured five ‘Christmas Cards from the Front’ from our First World War collection, which would have lifted the spirits of those separated from their families. But what about all the people not ‘on the front’ who also served in the First World War?
Over 200 hospital war diaries from the First World War are now available online, making them available globally for the first time. These war diaries reveal the many challenges involved in setting up hospitals in battlegrounds and hospital ships out at sea as well as the staggering amount of logistics involved in nursing thousands of soldiers and animals back to health so they could return to battle.
They also show fascinating details about daily routines, operations, and even Christmas services, giving insight into life in hospital during the First World War.
Christmas card from the Front, December 1915 (catalogue reference: RAIL 253/516/3)
In the war diary for the Indian Convalescence Hospital in Rouen, France, on 25 December 1914, it notes that ‘Christmas cards were distributed and that 131 Princess Mary gifts for the Ghurka Rifles […] No non-smoking gifts were received’. However, on Boxing Day, two non-smoking Princess Mary Gifts were received along with an extra 104 Christmas cards. This is all noted in between more sombre preparations to take on 250 more Convalescents and provide proper facilities to cremate the Hindu dead.
Indian Convalescent Hospital pg. 19, 25 Dec 1914 (catalogue reference: WO 95-4123-1)
In December 1918, not long after Armistice was declared, the war diaries note more Christmas celebrations. Hospital Ship HMS Kalyan, which was docked at Archangel in Russia, celebrated Christmas Day with ‘a concert in the evening and usual festivities. Wards were decorated and Red Cross gifts distributed. All passed well at sea.’
On board Hospital Ship Vasna in December 1918, ‘a generous supply of gifts were obtained from the Red Cross Depot in Basra and were distributed by the Matron to all patients, passengers and staff. They included various useful articles such as shoes, socks, and toothbrushes as well as cakes, biscuits, cigarettes […] also sweets for Indians.’
Extract from HMHS Vasna war diary on Christmas Day (catalogue reference: WO 95/4151/2)
The last diary entry for Ambulance Transport Syria is dated December 1919. Nothing is noted about Christmas but New Year’s Eve seems to have been celebrated with a concert in the evening and an extra dinner given to all ranks.
Extract from War Diary for HMHS Syria, New Year’s Eve (catalogue reference: WO 95/4149/7)
It is comforting to see that many people serving in the First World War, whether on the front or on board hospital ships, were given some treats at Christmastime, when so many of them sacrificed their lives.
You can explore the war diaries and discover more stories like these from our First World War collection and blog series.
[…] Christmas is fast approaching; excitement is building as food and last-minute presents are bought. For many of us it’s a time to relax and consider the last year, but what… Go to Source […]
I’m looking vfor ninformation non my Grandfather John Clayton Mundy who served in World War 1 for only 13 months and 2 days. I think he bwas injured but nI can’t find any kindn of records of nhis, I can’t even get information from Dayton Ohio’s Veterans Hospital where nhe died in 1978. So if someone can help me I would appreciate it. Thank You
Hi Mary,
Unfortunately we’re unable to help with family history requests on the blog, but if you go to our contact us page: http://nationalarchives.gov.uk/contact/ you’ll see how to get in touch with our record experts via phone, email or live chat.
I hope that helps.
Nell
I have a diary that my father in law kept during WWI. He was a medic and was based in France. if you would like a copy for your archive I can share it. I think I have it in my email file. Maralyn Bullion
My great aunt, Edith Appleton, was a Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Sister who served in Flanders and France throughout WW1 and kept an amazing detailed daily journal which can be seen here: http://anurseatthefront.org.uk/the-diaries-all-four-volumes/. Her diaries record not just the daily horrors she experienced, often near the front line, but also include how she and colleagues spent their time off duty and she mentions the names of over 200 colleagues and patients.