For the first time in many years I am supposed to be going to a pantomime this Christmas but, as I write this on the 20th, it’s not looking especially hopeful for ‘Dick Whittington and His Cat’ at Norwich Theatre Royal. A pity as I was looking forward to it, particularly as ‘Dick Whittington’ was the first of the pantos put on for 28th Division by 85th Field Ambulance in 1915. The whole show was put together in just a fortnight, which was quite an achievement. However, 28th Division wasn’t the only BSF division to have multiple talented men in its ranks.
Continue reading ““It’s Panto time again” “Oh no it isn’t!””Tag: Entertainment
How the troops entertained themselves in Macedonia, 1917-1918.
Grand International Charity Football Match, Boxing Day 1918
One of the amazing survivals from the collection of Herbert Price (ASC) – which has been donated to the Society – is this football programme from a ‘Grand International Charity Football Match’ played on Boxing Day, 1918.
Continue reading “Grand International Charity Football Match, Boxing Day 1918”Frohe Weinachten!
Remembering those from all nations who found themselves far from home and loved ones in those Macedonian Christmases from 1915 to 1919.
Continue reading “Frohe Weinachten!”Seasons greetings to all our members, friends and visitors!
The Society is very pleased to have been given a collection of photographs which belonged to Private John Gilchrist of 244 Mechanical Transport Company, Army Service Corps. In the year ahead we hope to scan these – along with other donated collections – so they can be made available to members. As a teaser, here is a seasonal photograph showing pigs and turkeys at an ASC camp in Salonika being fattened up for Christmas.
Continue reading “Seasons greetings to all our members, friends and visitors!”Holst Birthplace Museum Open
We are pleased to hear from our friends at the Holst Birthplace Museum in Cheltenham, that the museum is open to visitors. To find out more – and how to book your visit – take a look at the museum website.
Continue reading “Holst Birthplace Museum Open”Christmas in Salonika
SCS Chair, Alan Wakefield, has provided two contrasting accounts of Christmas 1915 from the BSF, showing the differences between being ‘up country’ and at the Base.
It’s Panto Time!
Pantomimes were by no means unique to the British Salonika Force but – with a lack of home leave and limited sources of entertainment, especially ‘up country’ – they seem to have been a notable feature of the campaign.
What a scorcher!
Are you enjoying the hot weather? I don’t mind it hot as long as I can sit in the shade and not do anything! When it is particularly hot I often think about the BSF and the trials of putting up with hot weather – day after day – along with the dust and flies and having to dig or lug around ammunition boxes and stores or maybe a Lewis gun. Continue reading “What a scorcher!”
Happy Hogmanay, 1918
Browsing through back issues of The New Mosquito I came across an article about members of the Highland Mountain Brigade (TF), RGA, celebrating Hogmanay in 1918.
“Who Won The War, And Why!”
Over a year ago, Kelvin Dakin very kindly sent me a scan of a souvenir copy of a humorous monologue written on 1st October 1918 which explains, “Who Won the War, and Why!!”. This seems an appropriate time to publish this vital document so, move over Wakefield, Moody and Palmer, the real reason for the allied victory can now be revealed! Continue reading ““Who Won The War, And Why!””
Salonika Campaign Society, 1915-1918 