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YMCA hut in Arras, WW1
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YMCA hut in Arras, WW1
The battered belfry at Arras and in front of the ruins, a little YMCA hut with its red triangle sign conveying a welcome to any Allied soldiers seeking a place of rest, refreshment and relaxation close to the front line. Date: 1919
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Media ID 14169312
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Arras Battered Belfry Charities Charity Destroyed Destruction Huts Ruin Ruined Triangle Ymca 1919
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the stark contrast between the devastation of war and the enduring spirit of charity and resilience during the First World War. The image, taken in 1919, depicts the battered belfry of a ruined church in Arras, France, with the remnants of its once proud spire jutting into the sky like a broken finger. In front of the ruins, a small YMCA hut stands defiantly, its red triangle sign beckoning to any weary Allied soldiers seeking refuge from the horrors of the battlefield. The YMCA, or Young Men's Christian Association, was a leading charity organization during the war, providing essential services to soldiers on both sides of the conflict. The huts served as rest and recreation centers, offering hot meals, shelter, and a place to write letters home. Horses and carts laden with supplies can be seen in the background, adding to the sense of activity and industry that surrounded these vital institutions. The photograph is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians alike during the Great War, and the crucial role that charities like the YMCA played in providing comfort and support to those who needed it most. The enduring symbol of the red triangle sign continues to convey a welcome and a message of hope, even amidst the destruction and chaos of war.
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