Vintage: Soldiers Swimming and Playing in the Water during World War I

Vintage: Soldiers Swimming and Playing in the Water during World War I

MonoVisions Black & White Photo Contest 2025

Time spent out of the line at least offered the opportunity for the frontline soldier to get clean. Communal baths would be set up and lice-infested clothing steam-cleaned. The chance to be clean was another essential prop to morale.

British soldiers splashing in the water at Corfu.

British soldiers splashing in the water at Corfu. Image: Imperial War Museums

Soldiers in a farm pond near St. Eloi, Flanders, 1917.

Soldiers in a farm pond near St. Eloi, Flanders, 1917. Image: Imperial War Museums

Enthusiastic splashing in the sea at Etaples, France, 1917.

Enthusiastic splashing in the sea at Etaples, France, 1917. Image: Imperial War Museums

British troops in the River Tigris, Baghdad, 1917.

British troops in the River Tigris, Baghdad, 1917. Image: Imperial War Museums

Piggyback wading (location unspecified)

Piggyback wading (location unspecified) Image: Imperial War Museums

Patients from a convalescent hospital playing in the sea, France, 1918.

Patients from a convalescent hospital playing in the sea, France, 1918. Image: Imperial War Museums

British soldiers playing with a ball in the water at Corfu.

British soldiers playing with a ball in the water at Corfu. Image: Imperial War Museums

Members of an army entertainment troop posing after a swim in the Sea of Marmora, Turkey.

Members of an army entertainment troop posing after a swim in the Sea of Marmora, Turkey. Image: Imperial War Museums

Soldiers smile for the camera during a swim in the Somme region, France, 1916.

Soldiers smile for the camera during a swim in the Somme region, France, 1916. Image: Imperial War Museums

...and immediately afterwards splash each other.

…and immediately afterwards splash each other. Image: Imperial War Museums

Romanian soldiers in a pond in the Balkans.

Romanian soldiers in a pond in the Balkans. Image: Imperial War Museums


MonoVisions Black & White Photo Contest 2025