British Army songbook, 1910 (c)

This printed book contains words and music for British Army songs that reflect wider society in 1910. Subjects included in the songs such as heroism, the British Empire and sweethearts left behind, show us that soldiers' sing-alongs reflected wider imperialist agendas and class divisions.

The singing of songs by soldiers was part of a front line culture that included sport, memento-hunting, slang and makeshift theatrical entertainment. The mixing of soldiers' songs and music hall traditions brought from home was accelerated by the mass conscription of the First World War (1914-1918).

During the early 20th century, and during the war years, songs were collected and published also for the civilian world, and some songbooks were produced by authors who thought that soldiers needed direction in what they ought to be singing.