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Mens Wear during WW1, August and February by J. H. Thorpe
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Mens Wear during WW1, August and February by J. H. Thorpe
The contrast in clothing worn by British soldiers in the trenches in August and in February. The soldier on the left wears the familiar khaki tunic, breeches and puttees. On the right, the man is swaddled in a goatskin coat with balaclava and scarf, possibly handknitted comforts. Date: 1916
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Media ID 14165384
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Balaclava Coats Comforts Goatskin Keeping Khaki Knitted Scarf Seasonal Thorpe Trenches Tunic Warm Warmth Wear Woollen Woollies Wrapped
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph, taken by J.H. Thorpe in 1916, captures the stark contrast in clothing worn by British soldiers during the First World War, specifically during the summer month of August and the harsh winter month of February. On the left, a soldier is dressed in the familiar khaki uniform consisting of a tunic, breeches, and puttees, which were designed to provide protection against the elements and camouflage in the trenches. However, on the right, the man is almost unrecognizable, swaddled in a thick goatskin coat, a balaclava, and a scarf, possibly handknitted comforts from home. The soldier's face is obscured by the balaclava, and his hands are tucked into his pockets, trying to keep as warm as possible. The contrast between the two soldiers highlights the extreme seasonal conditions that soldiers endured during the First World War. The summer months were hot and humid, while the winters were cold and wet, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Soldiers in the trenches often had to endure these conditions with little to no protection, making the importance of receiving comforts from home all the more significant. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers during the war and the importance of providing them with the necessary clothing and comforts to survive the harsh conditions. The image also underscores the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit, as soldiers found ways to keep warm in the face of adversity.
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