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Black Watch with issue of rum, Western Front, WW1
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Black Watch with issue of rum, Western Front, WW1
Men of the Black Watch enjoying an issue of rum on the Western Front during World War One. Date: circa 1916
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Media ID 14135160
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment of respite for the weary soldiers of the Black Watch, a renowned infantry regiment of the British Army, during the harsh realities of the Western Front in World War One. Circa 1916, these men are seen gathered around a barrel, taking their issue of rum, a small luxury and morale booster in the grim conditions of the battlefield. The soldiers, dressed in their uniforms and holding their steel helmets, appear to be in high spirits, momentarily forgetting the horrors of the ongoing conflict. The Black Watch, also known as the Royal Highland Regiment of Canada, was formed in 1914 with volunteers from Canada. They saw intense action throughout the war, particularly during the Second Battle of Ypres and the Battle of the Somme. The soldiers in this photograph, with their determined expressions and the camaraderie they share, serve as a poignant reminder of the human side of war. Rum was a common drink issued to soldiers in the British Army during World War One. It was believed to help keep morale high and provide some warmth in the cold, wet conditions of the trenches. The issue of rum was a regular occurrence, often handed out every three days or so. This photograph offers a glimpse into the daily life of the soldiers on the Western Front, providing a poignant and historically significant image of the men and their experiences during this pivotal time in history.
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