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Church service on the deck of a World War I troopship in the Mediterranean
Church service on the deck of a World War I troopship in the Mediterranean

Church service on the deck of a World War I troopship in the Mediterranean

Date1915 - 1918
Object number00030061
NamePhotograph
MediumPhotographic print on paper.
DimensionsOverall: 88 x 137 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis black and white photographic postcard shows a church parade taking place on a World War I troopship in the Mediterranean. The Chaplain and some of the ship’s crew are on the upper deck looking down toward the crowded soldiers. The soldiers are wearing their uniforms, including their slouch hats, and most have lifebelts on. The message on the reverse of the postcard explains that the lifebelts were worn continuously as they were under threat from submarine attack.SignificanceThis postcard is an important pictorial record of the role religion played in the lives of sailors serving in World War I. Chaplains served on board troopships during the war in order to assist the spiritual welfare of sailors.