'A' Squadron playing football with the 8th Hussars, 1944 (c)

Photograph by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North West Europe, 1944 (c).

Sport has always played an important role in the British Army. Sporting contests fostered faith in the regiment or corps, reinforced group identity and made soldiers ready to serve a shared cause. They also bridged the gap between officers and men, who often had little else in common. The shared experience of playing and watching sport was crucial in developing 'esprit de corps' - feelings of pride and confidence among the men of a unit.

From an album containing 266 photographs belonging to Major W H J Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters).