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Soldiers enjoying the free buffet at Victoria station, WW1
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Soldiers enjoying the free buffet at Victoria station, WW1
Soldiers at Victoria Railway Station enjoying the hot coffee available - for free - from the Soldiers and Sailors Free Buffet. Similar buffets were set up at all train stations in London to provide beverages and refreshments to men departing from or arriving in London during the First World War. The buffets were run by volunteers and funded entirely by charitable contributions. Date: 1915
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Media ID 14196229
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Arrival Arriving Beverages Buffet Buffets Coffee Departing Departure Free Leaving Meal Refreshments Stations
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the spirit of camaraderie and generosity that defined the Soldiers and Sailors Free Buffets during the First World War. Set up at Victoria Station in London in 1915, these buffets provided a much-needed respite for men departing for the front or returning from the battlefields. With the chaos and uncertainty of war looming large, these simple acts of kindness offered a moment of comfort and sustenance. In this image, soldiers are seen enjoying a hot cup of coffee, provided free of charge by the volunteers who ran the buffet. Similar initiatives were set up at all major train stations in London, funded entirely by charitable contributions from the public. The sight of soldiers gathered around the buffet table, sharing stories and laughter, would have been a common one during this period. The Soldiers and Sailors Free Buffets played an essential role in the war effort, offering more than just refreshments. They provided a sense of community and connection for the men, many of whom were away from their families and homes for the first time. The buffets also served as a reminder of the support and solidarity of the British people, who rallied together to provide for their troops in any way they could. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women of the First World War, and the enduring power of human kindness and compassion. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable hardship.
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