Soldiers smoking, 1917 (c)

Photograph, World War One, Western Front (1914-1918), 1917 (c).

Three 'Tommies', well-wrapped against the winter cold in their sheepskin coats, enjoy a cigarette break. Smoking was hugely popular with soldiers. The military, government and tobacco companies organised a constant supply of cigarettes and tobacco to the troops - an official recognition of the importance of tobacco in offering relief from physical and psychological stress.

From an album of 24 official photographs, 1916-1918.