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During the WW1, Poperinge was part of unoccupied Belgium. Away from the turmoil of battle in the Ypres Salient, the town became the nerve centre of the British sector. Soldiers, supplies, labourers, information, ... Everything going towards the Ypres Salient passed through this town. Every day, thousands of soldiers entered "Pop", which quickly made a name for itself as the place where one could forget about the war in whatever way seen fit. Even though most soldiers slept in camps outside the city center (in small villages, such as Krombeke, Proven and Reningelst), Poperinge was the place to go for nightlife and pleasure. The town, that was home to about 10,000 inhabitants before the war, was suddenly sheltering about 250,000 English speaking soldiers. This meant that the image of "Pop" changed drastically. The soldiers often called Poperinge ‘Little Paris’ because of all the cafes, bars, brothels, cinemas, concert halls and clubs the town had to offer.
Poperinge during the war.
In the heart of this bustling town, the Army chaplains Neville Talbot and Philip "Tubby" Clayton opened a club, the Talbot House. From December 1915 onwards, and for more than three years, the House provided rest and recreation to all soldiers coming in, regardless of their rank. Clayton intended Talbot House to be a warm and friendly environment, where all soldiers – regardless of rank – could come and forget about the war raging around them, even if only for a short time. For this reason, it earned the nickname the ‘Every Man’s Club’.
‘Tubby’ posted humorous signs throughout the building, instructing soldiers that orders were prohibited. ‘All rank abandon ye who enter here’ was displayed on a sign above the door. In doing so, he created the first soldiers’ club where military and social status were irrelevant.
Soldiers in canteen Talbot House during WWI
Talbot House provided soldiers with a place to relax, recharge and ultimately have some fun. Soldiers could enjoy a variety of entertainment, including musical performances, film showings and even partake in debates. The original Talbot House in Poperinghe is now a museum.
Gasthuisstraat 43, 8970 Poperinge, Belgium.
Poperinge during the war.
In the heart of this bustling town, the Army chaplains Neville Talbot and Philip "Tubby" Clayton opened a club, the Talbot House. From December 1915 onwards, and for more than three years, the House provided rest and recreation to all soldiers coming in, regardless of their rank. Clayton intended Talbot House to be a warm and friendly environment, where all soldiers – regardless of rank – could come and forget about the war raging around them, even if only for a short time. For this reason, it earned the nickname the ‘Every Man’s Club’.
‘Tubby’ posted humorous signs throughout the building, instructing soldiers that orders were prohibited. ‘All rank abandon ye who enter here’ was displayed on a sign above the door. In doing so, he created the first soldiers’ club where military and social status were irrelevant.
Soldiers in canteen Talbot House during WWI
Talbot House provided soldiers with a place to relax, recharge and ultimately have some fun. Soldiers could enjoy a variety of entertainment, including musical performances, film showings and even partake in debates. The original Talbot House in Poperinghe is now a museum.
Gasthuisstraat 43, 8970 Poperinge, Belgium.
From:
ww1.nam.ac.uk
talbothouse.be
visitflanders.com
and others...
