In the collections, a slightly faded hand written menu in red and black ink on a flimsy piece of paper hints at celebrations over 100 years ago.
For food historians and those looking for ideas for a simpler Christmas dinner this document hints at how important the first Christmas after the armistice was signed must have been for the members of the Sergeant’s Mess of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment stationed at Valenciennes, France.
For military historians and genealogists it is the 54 signatures, mainly on the reverse of the menu that piques interest – confirming ranks and where an individual was on Christmas day.
After the deprivations and losses suffered during WW1 this simple autographed piece of paper reminds of the importance in being able to celebrate a time long associated with hope.
The menu is part of RSM Beck’s collection (that includes his WW1 diary, which records Becks observations on the famous ‘Christmas Truce’).
