Old Photos of Witham

Soldiers inside the new YMCA hut in Collingwood Road in 1915

Photographer: W E Bull, Taken: May 1916, Source: Martyn Drake, Ref: M821

First World War, Y.M.C.A. hut in Collingwood Road (site now occupied by 48A Collingwood Road and 50 Collingwood Road).

Shows soldiers inside the hut, at tables. They are from the 2/9th and other Battalions of the Royal Scots. Also, second left, a soldier from the West Yorkshire Regiment, perhaps a visiting local man or a hospital convalescent about to return to his unit. Information from Ian Hook, Essex Regiment Museum.

At the back is a counter with ladies standing behind it; they were organised by Miss Edith Luard, according to the reports of the opening in 1915 (see photo M819). The blackboard advertises a ‘Splendid Concert’, with recitations, singing, and violin and cornet solos. The banner at the back reads ‘Fear God, Honour the King’. Inscription on back of original reads ‘Witham Hut May 1916’. See also photos M818, M819, M820.

RefM821
PhotographerW E Bull
Date takenMay 1916
SourceMartyn Drake
Posted on Full size 4110 × 2617

Unless otherwise specified, photos are the copyright of the original photographer.

Every effort has been made to contact the owners of the photos or their relatives, to obtain their permission to use their pictures. But I have not always managed to find them, for which I apologise.

The photos appear in the order they were catalogued. Use Search to look for photos showing particular people, places etc.