The YMCA and Letters Home

The Y.M.C.A. Tent at Abbots Langley

Shortly after the troops arrived in the area the Y.M.C.A. started to erect tents. The first was in the Old Recreation Ground (in effect serving the 6th Brigade R.F.A.) and The Gazette reported : Needless to say, the "Tommies" have greatly appreciated the splendid arrangements made for their comfort, and the many who have been used to home life have found much solace in the large airy tent. It is fitted up almost to perfection. The numerous little tables spread about are covered with reading material and stationery, and the means of writing are provided free of charge. This is an arrangement which has been greatly appreciated. In addition the men can obtain tea and other light refreshments at a nominal cost. ... Every night there is a sing-song or a concert, which the men very much enjoy. ... The spiritual welfare of the men is not forgotten, and every night there is a short prayer meeting. Ministers of all denominations have undertaken to conduct these gatherings, each coming in turn. ... There is an organising committee composed of two ladies from every church in the town, and it has rendered excellent service.

Shortly afterwards other tents were opened in Gadebridge Park (5th Brigade R.F.A.), on the Moor at Boxmoor (7th Brigade R.F.A.), in Salmon Meadow, Apsley (8th Brigade R.F.A.), and possibly also at Leverstock Green (Queen's Westminster Rifles). It is clear that the facilities were much used for writing home, and in the first month the Y.M.C.A. tent at Holywell Hill, St. Albans reported: "Thirty thousand sheets of quarto notepaper, envelopes, postcards and general stationery requisites have been given out at this tent - no small item. About 7,000 letters a week are written and posted at this and two other Y.M.C.A. depots." 

The additional work on the Post Office caused by the war was also noted by Private Brookes who wrote: "The village Post Office [at Leverstock Green] found that they could not cope with the extra work which the influx of troops had occasioned, and it fell to the lot of the signallers to take over the work connected with telegrams, and tender messages to sweethearts and wives had to be left at the mercy of the Signal Service Section." 

The early Autumn gales and wet weather seriously damaged the tent on Boxmoor, and the Y.M.C.A. moved to the Oxford Club Hall. In addition to the previous facilities, some ladies gave French lessons on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. The other tents were closed down, in part because of the cost of hiring them. Coombrook House, Marlowes, was rented and furnished as an Institute for the soldiers, while the Apsley Y.M.C.A. moved into the local Church Room.

Extract from The London Gunners come to Town