Staff of the Soldiers Free Buffet at Charing Cross, WW1
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Staff of the Soldiers Free Buffet at Charing Cross, WW1
Female staff of the Soldiers Free Buffet at Charing Cross Station, set up, along with similar buffets at other London terminus, to provide food and refreshments to soldiers passing through the station, either coming home on leave or returning to the front. The buffets were free, staffed entirely by volunteers and catered for thousands of soldiers each week. Date: 1916
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Media ID 14167902
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Buffet Buffets Catering Charing Free Jobs Railways Refreshments Role Roles Staff Stations Terminus Volunteers
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the selfless spirit of the Women's Volunteer Reserve (WVR) during World War I, as they prepare to serve food and refreshments at the Soldiers Free Buffet in Charing Cross Station. Established in 1915, these buffets were set up at various London terminuses to provide sustenance for soldiers passing through, whether they were on their way home on leave or returning to the front lines. The buffets were entirely free of charge, and were staffed entirely by volunteers. The image shows a group of WVR members, dressed in their distinctive blue uniforms, busily setting up the buffet tables. The soldiers, who would have been a common sight at the station during this period, are not present in the photograph, but their presence is palpable in the bustling atmosphere and the piles of food and drink laid out for them. The Soldiers Free Buffets catered for thousands of soldiers each week, providing a much-needed respite from the harsh realities of the war. The buffets were an important part of the war effort, and the women who staffed them played a crucial role in supporting the morale of the troops. The photograph is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and contributions made by ordinary people during the First World War, and the vital role that women played in providing essential services to the military and the civilian population. The photograph was taken in 1916, during the height of the war, and is a testament to the spirit of community and compassion that prevailed during this challenging time. It is a powerful reminder of the enduring human capacity for kindness and generosity, even in the face of adversity.
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