The home front was full of shortages, especially from the likes of bread and meat. German naval operations over the previous months had meant that everything seemed to be in short supply and what there was saw a huge price increase almost overnight. To add to this, Europe seemed to be having the worst weather in over thirty years and so you can imagine how low morale was getting.
Telegrams were still arriving each day, they certainly couldn't stop for Christmas. However, what was different was how much more of a greater understanding the home front had. This was due to The Somme film being released in cinemas around the country. It was the first time anything like this had been shown and for women was the first real insight into what war was really like. They now knew that when those telegrams arrived, the chances were that suffering had probably been endured before death.
The home front did try to connect with the front line soldiers, with many people putting together food hampers or knitting scarves and socks to send to the soldiers. Of course, families still sent letters and parcels to their loved ones if they could, but now there was a greater sense of doing there bit.
Christmas was so different then compared to now. Homes didn't have electric and so there were none of the pretty lights we all love to see around. Neither were presents wrapped because that was a waste and could be better used to help the war effort. People didn't expect to get a present either but were grateful if they received one. Remembering this certainly does make you appreciate the things you have got in life and shows the true meaning of Christmas - to be with those you love and cherish memories that are made.
I hope you have all had a lovely Christmas this year. I wanted to end by sharing this poem I read recently by an Australian soldier named Leslie George Rub. In a round about way, he tells you exactly what life was like during Christmas 1916, so I hope you enjoy it!
Christmas Day On The Somme
‘Twas Christmas Day on the Somme
The men stood on parade,
The snow laid six feet on the ground
Twas twenty in the shade.
Up spoke the Captain ‘gallant man’,
“Just hear what I’ve to say,
You may not have remembered that
Today is Christmas Day.”
“The General has expressed a wish
This day may be observed,
Today you will only work eight hours,
A rest that’s well deserved.”
“I hope you’ll keep yourselves quite clean
And smart and spruce and nice,
The stream is frozen hard
But a pick will break the ice.”
“All men will get two biscuits each,
I’m sure you’re tired of bread,
I’m sorry there’s no turkey
But there’s Bully Beef instead.”
“The puddings plum have not arrived
But they are on their way,
I’ll guarantee they’ll be in time
To eat next Christmas Day.”
“You’re parcels would have been in time
But I regret to say
The vessel which conveyed them was
Torpedoed on the way.”
“The Quartermaster’s got your rum
But you may get some yet,
Each man will be presented with
A Woodbine cigarette.”
“The Huns have caught us in the rear
And painted France all red,
Pray do not let that trouble you,
Tomorrow you’ll be dead.”
“Now ere you go I will you all
This season of good cheer,
A very happy Christmas and
A prosperous New Year.”
