Fraud Blocker Skip to main content

Home > STEAM Museum of the GWR > Stations and Halts > London Stations > Paddington Station

Soldiers and Sailors Buffet at Paddington Station, 1919

Soldiers and Sailors Buffet at Paddington Station, 1919


Canvas Prints
Fine Art Prints
Mounted Prints
Metal Prints
Cards
Home Decor
Image Downloads


We accept all major credit cards

STEAM Picture Gifts

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from STEAM Museum

Soldiers and Sailors Buffet at Paddington Station, 1919

A shot capturing the last servicemen to be offered refreshments at the Soldiers and Sailors Free Buffet at Paddington Station on 28th June 1919. The forces canteen opened in April 1915 to offer sustenance to the servicemen who passed through Paddington during the war years. It was staffed day and night by a dedicated group of more than 80 female volunteers who, during the four years that the Buffet was open, served refreshments to more than 3 million men. The soldier sitting in the corner seat was himself a Great Western man, possibly on his journey home from active duty

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway

Media ID 413783

© STEAM Museum of the GWR

Buffet First World War Paddington Refreshment Women


FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> STEAM Museum of the GWR > People > Passengers

> STEAM Museum of the GWR > People > Women

> STEAM Museum of the GWR > The Railway at War > First World War

> STEAM Museum of the GWR > Stations and Halts > London Stations > Paddington Station


EDITORS COMMENTS
This poignant print captures a significant moment in history - the last servicemen being offered refreshments at the Soldiers and Sailors Free Buffet at Paddington Station on 28th June 1919. Opened in April 1915, this forces canteen served as a vital source of sustenance for countless servicemen passing through Paddington during the war years. Manned by over 80 dedicated female volunteers, who tirelessly worked day and night, this buffet became an oasis of comfort for more than 3 million men. In this particular shot, we see a soldier sitting in the corner seat, possibly on his journey home from active duty. His weary expression tells tales of sacrifice and bravery endured during those tumultuous years. It is worth noting that he was himself a Great Western man - perhaps finding solace amidst familiar surroundings after serving his country with honor. The women who staffed this buffet were unsung heroes themselves, providing not just nourishment but also warmth and compassion to these brave soldiers returning from battlefields far away. Their selfless dedication ensured that these servicemen felt cared for and appreciated even in their most vulnerable moments. This print serves as a powerful reminder of the immense impact made by ordinary individuals coming together to support those fighting for freedom during World War I. The Soldiers and Sailors Buffet stands as a testament to human resilience, unity, and unwavering gratitude towards our armed forces.

MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.




Related Images


Quick Lunch and Snack Bar at Paddington Station, 1936
Quick Lunch and Snack Bar at Paddington Station, 1936
Platform 1 at Paddington Station, 1904
Platform 1 at Paddington Station, 1904
Buffet Car from the 1930s
Buffet Car from the 1930s
GWR Buffet Car, c1938
GWR Buffet Car, c1938
Newspaper Train on Platform 4 at Paddington Station, 1937
Newspaper Train on Platform 4 at Paddington Station, 1937
Refreshment Rooms, Paddington Station, c. 1923
Refreshment Rooms, Paddington Station, c. 1923
GWR Refreshment Department Platform Trolley, May 1937
GWR Refreshment Department Platform Trolley, May 1937
GWR First Class Sleeper Car, 1946
GWR First Class Sleeper Car, 1946
Paddington Station, Platform 1, c. 1920s
Paddington Station, Platform 1, c. 1920s
8in. howitzer gun carriage on an Open B wagon at Swindon Works, c. 1914
8in. howitzer gun carriage on an Open B wagon at Swindon Works, c. 1914
Female Refreshment Attendant, c. 1918
Female Refreshment Attendant, c. 1918
Rangers Triumph: Unforgettable Moments from the 4-1 Victory Over Dunfermline (23/03/04)
Rangers Triumph: Unforgettable Moments from the 4-1 Victory Over Dunfermline (23/03/04)

+

Shipping

+

Choices

+

Reviews

+

Guaranteed




Related Collections


Paddington Station
Paddington Station
Browse 99 Prints
Women
Women
Browse 81 Prints
Passengers
Passengers
Browse 48 Prints
First World War
First World War
Browse 26 Prints