Summary

One of thirteen black and white photographs that relate to the 24th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), during World War I. Part of a larger collection that was donated by the Returned Servicemen's League of Australia Limited (RSL).

A soldier stands in front of an Australian Comforts Fund buffet. He is drinking from a cup while another soldier watches on.
Taken in December, 1916, just after the brutal Somme Offensive (1 July - 18 Novemember) in the wooded area north of the Somme River. The mud of the ruined terrain covers the men and the small buffet station.

A sense of humour is present in the cynical joke 'Pea Soup or Cocoa' - a dry comment on the quality of the limited food and drink available to troops at the frontline. Soldiers wrote with detail on food and drink conditions on the front - and welcomed the sight of the Australian Comforts Fund, as it often signalled leaving the front and a chance for rest and recouperation in the rear zones.

Description of Content

A soldier standing in front of an Australian Comforts Fund buffet. He is drinking from a cup while another soldier watches on.

Physical Description

Black and white, silver gelatin photograph on paper.

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