WWI fundraising tag - Church Army Recreation Hut

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c. 1915

Overview

Cream coloured card sold during World War One to raise money for the Church Army Recreation Hut fund.
It depicts a rectangular shaped timber hut with a steep roof and verandah, with soldiers in uniform standing and seated around the exterior.
There is a dark red cross above the end doorway and a Union Jack flying above, Written in large red letters across the angled roof above the verandah are the words 'Open to all'', and along the roof ridge 'Church Army Recreation Hut'.
The timber planking on the end facing the front and the windows are coloured in gold, with dark red contrasting features.
A pale pink-lilac cord has been pushed throughthe centre top for attachment.
The card is fairly thick and the details of the hut can be seen impressed from the reverse, which is otherwise plain.

Historical information

The Church Army was an evangelising Church of England society founded by the Reverend Wilson Carlile in 1882 near Westminster after he was called to bring the word of God to the destitute living in London's slums.
During World War One, the society established huts, tents and centres both in England and on the Western Front, providing food, writing and recreational materials. There were over 800 such facilities being supported by the charity. Funds raised supported the running of existing establishments and led to the formation of more.

The 'Soldiers Church of England Help Society' ribbon may have been associated with the same fundraising drive.

Philip Roy Dennett (known as Roy) was born in Prospect, South Australia on 30 May 1897. He was an 18 year old postal assistant when he enlisted with the 29th Battery of the 8th Field Artillery Brigade, A.I.F. on 21 September 1915. His service number was 19629.
He embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A7 Medic on 20 May 1916 and served in France as a Gunner and a Driver.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAS Australia in June 1919 and as discharged a month later.

This tag is one from a group of 4 tags, 6 ribbons and a souvenir booklet dating from World War One which were purchased together. They were all attached to a cardboard backing protected with plastic. Written on the cardboard was: '19629 GNR P.R. DENNETT, 8 F.A.B. A.I.F.'
Roy Dennett would have been serving overseas when many of the ribbons and tags were produced and purchased, so they were possibly bought and saved by a family member. This would have been seen as supporting the war effort generally and Roy more specifically.

They are rare survivors. The ribbons in particular are very delicate and were not designed to last. They are ephemera in the true sense of the word.

The portrait of Roy was obtained from a distant relative and is printed with her permission.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00822

Item type

Themes