They didn't want to die virgins : sex and morale in the British Army on the Western Front, 1914-1918
Cherry, Bruce2016
Books, Manuscripts
There has been a collective amnesia when it comes to recalling the sexual activities of the British soldier on the Western Front between 1914 and 1918. Perhaps there has even been a conspiracy of silence with some inclined to let sleeping dogs lie. That the soldier could find the time, inclination, and indeed partners to enjoy a sex life amidst the mud and carnage is often a revelation even to those who are Western Front experts. Yet, as official venereal disease treatment figures attest, many a man or boy - even those with wife or sweetheart at home - took every opportunity offered to satisfy their lust, or assuage their natural youthful curiosity. This meticulously researched study examines the soldiers' sex life in detail, exploring its impact on morale and placing it the context of both pre-war civilian morality and the army's historic policy on sex.
Main title:
Author:
Cherry, Bruce, author
Imprint:
Solihull, West Midlands : Helion & Company Limited, 2016.
Collation:
xv, 325 pages : illustrations (black and white) ; 24 cm.
Series title:
Wolverhampton military studies ; no. 15.
Notes:
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Audience:
Specialized.
ISBN:
9781910777701 (hbk)
Dewey class:
940.31940.40941
LC class:
D524.6.G7
Local class:
940.409
Language:
English
Subject:
Great Britain. Army -- HistoryWorld War, 1914-1918 -- Social aspects -- FranceWorld War, 1914-1918 -- Campaigns -- Western FrontMilitary moraleWarfare and DefenceWorld War, 1914-1918 -- Social aspectsMilitary morale -- Great Britain -- History -- 20th centuryGreat Britain. Army -- History -- World War, 1914-1918
BRN:
1427042