With Christmas fast approaching, it is hell on the high streets as we shop til we drop for all those festive gifts. In 1914, however, it was likely that you’d be searching for a present that was a little more practical. With loved ones battling more than one enemy in the trenches, this December advertisement during the First World War calls for ‘Woollen Ammunition’ to be sent to our troops in the chilly climates overseas!
“Christmas.
Don’t Forget the Man Behind the Gun.
Send him a Gift he will appreciate.
Something Useful, Serviceable.
Send him Woollen Ammunition to Fight the Cold.
HAVE YOU THOUGHT of what the approach of winter means to our troops?
IT MEANS another enemy to face, one which can be best fought with warm, knitted goods-Socks, Scarves, and Sleeping Helmets. What better gift then for your solider friend than one or more of these Seasonable Articles, keenly priced, but worth their weight in gold to the man behind the gun. It is not too early to send; there is snow in France today. SEND NOW.
HEAVY KHAKI SHIRTS, 5/6.
KHAKI-WOOL SPENCERS, 6/11, 7/11.
OFFICERS’ KHAKI KNITTED JACKETS, with pockets, 11/6.
CARDIGAN JACKETS, 4/6, 6/6, 8/6.
SWEATER JERSEYS IN KHAKI, 8/6, NAVY, 6/11.
ARMY MARCHING SOCKS, 1/-, 1/3, 1/6, 1/9.
BALACLAVA SLEEPING HELMETS, in Khaki, also Navy, 1/9, 2/6.
FLEECY WOOL SCARVES, 2/6, 2/11, 3/11.
WOVEN BODY BELTS, 2-/, 2/6, 2/11.
CAP COMFORTERS, 1/0 1/2, 1/9, 2/6.
KHAKI HANDKERCHIEFS, 2/11 DOZEN.
WOOL MITTS, Heather Mixture, 10 1/2d. PAIR OR 10/3 PER DOZEN.
KHAKI WOOL MITTS, 1/6 & 1/9.
KHAKI WOOL GLOVES, 1/9.
LARGE STOCK OF ARMY BLANKETS.
KNITTING WOOLS, ALL COLOURS.
BOOTS, SHOES AND LEGGINGS.”
Stamford and Rutland Guardian, 5th December 1914.
(You read it right, the Stamford Mercury Archive Trust holds many other newspaper titles other than the Stamford Mercury – many of which were rival publications! Visit our website if you want to know more.)