Berkshire and The War: the "Reading Standard" pictorial record. Volume 2. p 284
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Image Details
| Title | Berkshire and The War: the "Reading Standard" pictorial record. Volume 2. p 284 |
|---|---|
| Date | 1917 |
| Page number | 284 |
| Publisher | Unknown |
| Description | Not available |
| Horizon Number: |
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OCR Text
CHRISTMAS IN THE WAR HOSPITALS
In Reading War Hospital the Christmas of 1915 was a season of memorable gaiety. Merriment and mirth reigned supreme, triumphing over aches and ills. The Care and Comforts Committee, an excellent institution that studies the needs of the sick and wounded soldiers in Reading, joined hands with the hospital authorities and made liberal provision for his entertainment. The committee gave turkeys and plum puddings, useful presents, cake, fruit and sweets; it also presented Christmas trees and evergreens and other decorative materials. By lavish use of the last named, the wards, bright and cheery at ordinary times, were converted into halls of gaiety and glitter, and judges went round and awarded prizes for the most attractive and artistic. As Tommy Atkins slumbered, dreaming of the family fireside in far-off parts, Santa Claus in grey uniform and snow white apron, tiptoed from bed to bed and filled stockings with his bounty. The tables were spread with seasonable fare and music and jest were brought by friends, who streamed through the wards the whole day. "The Joblots", a party of amateurs arrayed in a variety of costumes, sang and played to the sheer delight of the patients, a choir of R.A.M.C. orderlies rendered glee and certain of the patients formed themselves into a comic orchestra, which marched from ward to ward in high spirits, and was conducted by a one-armed man. So with bright smiles, cheery words and glad hearts, the time-honoured wish found nowhere fuller realisation.
Photo by P.O. Collier, Reading ( 2 photos)
NO. 1 READING WAR HOSPITAL, SHOWING THE JOBLOTS ENTERTAINERS
READING WAR HOSPITAL - WILSON