ON THE FRONT LINES

The front lines were hardly the place for band-standing, but music and song made their way to the trenches. During downtime, soldiers might hum a tune or play a melody on a harmonica (mouth organ) to pass the time.

When on leave from the trenches, soldiers were occasionally entertained by travelling performers, enjoyed a sing-song at a billet’s home, participated in a talent contest, or sung hymns while attending church service.

Soldiers hardened by war took to songs such as “Hanging on the old barbed wire” or parodied well-known tunes, putting their own spin on the lyrics.

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