The YMCA in the First World War: The forgotten story of the YMCA huts

By Andrew Gill

The First World War has been the subject of countless books, films and TV documentaries but only occasionally is the work of the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) mentioned and the importance of its contribution recognised. The Association played a vital role at home and abroad in supporting British and Allied troops and others involved in the war effort, such as munitions workers. The services provided by the YMCA were highly valued by soldiers, sailors and their families and war workers on the home front. In essence, the Association supplied home comforts ..... a meal, drink, help to write a letter home, entertainment, companionship or just a friendly smile ..... in 'huts' located wherever they were needed in the theatre of war. This 53 page booklet is in two parts, giving modern and contemporary perspectives. The first is by Sue McGeever with particular focus on the role of the YMCA's Women's Auxiliary. The second part comprises extracts from a book written in 1919 by Sir Arthur Yapp, the General Secretary of the YMCA. His words bring home very forcibly the conditions the troops and volunteers faced and their feelings about the Association's work. The 26 illustrations and photographs are taken from original 'magic lantern' projection slides owned by the Keasbury-Gordon Photograph Archive.This booklet is not intended to be an authoritative or definitive source of information. It is a snapshot of the contribution made by thousands of men and women who volunteered for duty during WW1 and worked selflessly and tirelessly, often in danger and discomfort, to support those who were fighting on the front line and working on the home front for their King and Country.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1540679543
• ISBN13: 9781540679543
• Release Date: November 2016
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 61 Pages
• Weight: 0.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.1" x 6.0"