Comforts Gallery

Helmet with cape pieces by Marjory Tillotson, WW1 knitting

Pattern from a Baldwin's knitting booklet during the First World War for a wool helmet with cape pieces to protect the neck and chest designed by the leading knitting expert and pattern writer for Baldwin's, Marjory Tillotson. The introduction states that War Office Experts do not recommend apertures for the ears, the latter particularly requiring protection in cold weather. Date: c.1915

© The Joyce Meader Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library

Notebook recording quantities of comforts for soldiers

Small manuscript notebook recording quantities of comforts for soldiers and their destination units between 4 Aug 1914-1917 and 2 Sep 1939-1940. Compiled by an unknown individual working as part of an unidentified Comforts Fund possibly in Scotland, from the surnames given. Associated with World War One (1914-1918) and World War Two (1939-1945). Date: 1915

© The National Army Museum / Mary Evans Picture Library

Lady Sclaters Hospital Supply Depot, WW1

Four photographs in the Sphere magazine reporting on the War Hospital Supply Dept opened in August 1915 by Lady Sclater, wife of Lieut.-General Sir H. Sclater at 18 Pont Street, London to supply garments and surgical requisites to war hospitals at home and abroad. The work was purely voluntary and done under the supervision of Lady Sclater herself. In a six month period from January to June 1917, 19, 813 ladies attended, making and despatching a staggering 174, 000 articles from life-saving waistcoats for men on mine-sweepers to hospital slippers. Date: 1916

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans