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“War is months of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror.”
As near as anyone can figure, this saying came out of the endless trench warfare of World War I, for good reason. But what to do about the boredom? And how to distract from the moments of terror? Soldiers of all nations and militaries turned to a wide variety of entertainment: from sports, gambling and card games, to music, food and drink, to organized performances and dances.
Entertaining the Troops gives a peek into the life of a WWI soldier beyond the battlefield, whether they were waiting for the enemies’ next move or partying in Paris.
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Football photograph
Signal Corps #153409. Written on back in pencil: "Interdivision football [...unreadable...] of 1918-1919."
Theater photographs
Black and white photographs from a theatrical performance at an unknown location with men performing the female roles.
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Troops facing long hours in the trenches might read, draw, write a letter – or play a game of cards (gambling optional). When away from the front lines and the chances of enemy assault, they might organize a game of soccer, football, or baseball, play in a band or attend a theater show (and they might be in the show if professional entertainment was scarce). Camp canteens offered food and drinks that weren’t available on the battlefield. Plus, there was always the opportunity to travel to nearby towns and cities, for a variety of both respectable and illicit entertainment.
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Ticket stub
Ticket stub for the "London Baseball Association." Dated July 4, 1918.
Entry in the Online Collections Database
Baseball uniform
US Army Nurse Corps baseball uniform pullover. During the American occupation of Germany in 1919-1920, baseball teams were formed from the Army Nurse Corps and YMCA women volunteers. These teams barnstormed around Germany and in every venue they played were met by enthusiastic crowds.
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Beach photograph
Five U.S. soldiers in uniform, relaxing on the beach at Nice, France, with the Palais de la Jetee in the background. Inscribed on the reverse: "American YMCA".
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Gambling postcard
Illustration of American soldiers gambling. One throws dice down on top of a crate. Caption reads, "A.E.F. Pastime while in France —"
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Tooled leather writing kit
Contents: 1918 calendar, stamp holder book, address book, memorial card for soldier's death, letter from Colonel Taylor to his father.
Keeping troops entertained was important for keeping morale high. When knee-deep in the muck, soldiers needed something to occupy their minds and spirits and have more to look forward to. Comradery, rest, reflection, reminders of who (and what) they were fighting for – entertainment was serious business in the Great War.
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"Everything is Peaches in Georgia"
Untitled watercolor
Watercolor by Curtiney George Foote. Caption on back of image: "The Trianon Theater."
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Four-fold postcard
Cartoon shows soldiers playing various games and chasing each other during time away from the war. Text:
Sometimes we Ginger up.
Don't think we're always drilling,
Sometimes with gentle sports
We ease the day while on our way
To the Kaiser's German Courts.
Cartoon of soldiers in a hall playing die, cards, reading newspapers, singing and dancing. Text:
In lightsome vein - midst war's alarums.
We're all so lonesome, Jennie,
It all seems like the blues,
Perhaps in thru the smoke I see
Visions of home and youse.
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