East London soldier’s photographs capture life behind the lines on the Western Front

One hundred years ago between February and April 1918 Battery Quartermaster Sergeant Samuel Pye took a series of photographs of British soldiers that show how life on the Western Front was not always about death and destruction. His album reveals that amidst the horrors of war soldiers could still have fun.

A typical infantry soldier was only in the front-line trenches for about a third of his total time overseas. Libraries, canteens, churches, social clubs, baths, concerts and many other facilities were established so soldiers could relax. The Army ran most of these, but charities, volunteers and religious groups operated others. Units also organized their own entertainment – as was the case with Pye’s corps.

One of the most popular pastimes was the concert party, which was usually free for soldiers to attend. The shows were typically held in makeshift venues and featured props and costumes made from discarded materials. Sometimes these featured professional artists, but more often included serving soldiers. The concerts usually featured soldiers as singers, actors and comedians.

Some men regularly appeared as women in various productions, highlighting how some soldiers specialised as female impersonators for these concert parties. Historians have since debated whether this cross-dressing was a humorous rejection of traditional male gender roles, or provided a surrogate woman for soldier audiences pining for sweethearts at home.

By 1917, each division had at least one military theatre company but the assembling of a cast was a constant problem. It was difficult to maintain a permanent staff due to the movement of units or cast members being killed or wounded in action. The list of actors and staff for each show photographed in Pye’s album continuously changes over the three-month period it covers.

Some talented soldiers were lucky enough to be released from their units to work full time in official military concert parties formed by the Army to entertain its men. Some soldier-made shows became so successful that they left the Western Front and entertained audiences at home. 'The Dumbells' of the Canadian Army even managed a run in London’s West End. Nevertheless, most of the soldiers’ concert parties were less sophisticated and remained at the front.

The entertainment they provided broke up the monotony of Army life, offered a distraction from the horrors of war and kept soldiers occupied and out of trouble when not on duty. The concert parties also provided a safety outlet for frustration in the British Army and gave the cast a platform on which to air grievances about food, conditions and senior officers. They reinforced group identity by bridging the gap between officers and men, who often had little else in common, and made soldiers ready to serve a common cause.

Dr Matthew Thomas, Online Content Curator at the National Army Museum, says:

'The photographs taken by Samuel Pye show how life beyond the front line was not all work and no play, that soldiers found ways to have fun, provide entertainment and boost morale. They capture a common aspect of a soldier’s life that is largely unknown or forgotten.'