During World War 1 when soldiers were not in the front line, they were considered to be at ‘rest’. This was not leisure time but rather a rest from the trenches. They were kept busy, often with the manual labour of working parties as well as drills, training and parades. These periods also provided soldiers with the opportunity to have a bath (en masse), a shave and to get clean underclothing, if not always a clean uniform. There was also the opportunity for playing sport which in the later stages of the war became part of regular training. Games of football were popular and were often accompanied by regimental band.

In warmer weather, when the chance arose, soldiers also went for a swim. In mid-May 1918, the men of the 9th Brigade of the 3rd Division AIF were located at Rivery near Amiens. The War Diary for the 33rd Battalion describes the weather as fine and hot during this period. On 19 May ‘swimming in the Somme River was indulged in by men of all ranks after training.’ The next day a swimming carnival was held. (p.5 AWM4 23/50/19)

The Australian War Memorial holds a handful of photographs of this carnival taken by an unknown Australian Official Photographer.

Some soldiers dressed up in costumes they had ‘souvenired’ from around Rivery and entertained those present at the carnival.

On 19 May, the 34th Battalion Diary records ‘Usual company parades held, and musketry practice carried out under Capt. Gilder. Men having an enjoyable time, boating, swimming, and football matches during the afternoons (p.5 AWM4 23/51/19).  The 34th held an aquatic carnival at Amiens Baths on the afternoons of the 17 and 18 May.

The 15th Brigade of the 5th Division, located near Villers Bretonneux, also held aquatic carnivals on the Somme Canal. The War Diary of the 59th Battalion for 17 May gives a more detailed description.
‘An aquatic carnival was held this afternoon on the CANAL, and was a great success … The majority of officers and men took part in the various events, which were keenly contested, much amusement was provided by two comic characters Cpl. C Mitchell and Pte Wright W. – the latter dressed as a girl, was excellent, keeping some French gunners, who were spectators, in roars of laughter. Sports meeting held at Quartermasters Store between Quartermaster section 59th and 60th bns.’ (p.15 AWM4 23/76/28)

The swimming competitions included distance races, diving and relays as well as a pillow fight, a cigarette race and a fancy dress race. Monetary prizes ranged from 5 to 40 francs for the relay race (to be shared, no doubt). The Quartermasters competition included a tug of war; mule races; long, standing and high jumps; and boxing matches.

The 57th, 58th and 60th Battalions also held carnivals. The Diary of the 57th reporting, ‘contests were keenly fought out and the novelty events carried a great deal of amusement. The band of the 4th Pioneers Battalion played throughout the afternoon … the men thoroughly appreciated the carnival. (p.20 AWM4 23/74/28)

The Diary entry of 27 May for the 60th Battalion stated
‘The river was patronised largely by the swimmers later in the afternoons. We are very fortunate in having the river so handy to us. The weather being warm permits of swimming being indulged freely by the troops. This helps largely to keep the men from becoming stale apart from the matter of being able to keep clean.’ (p.24 AWM4 23/77/28)

Lieut. Col. Scanlan, commanding officer of the 59th Battalion, summed up the month:
Throughout the month the Battalion has been occupied in the construction of defensive works.
The fine spirit of all is beyond description. Never has the morale of the Battalion been higher, and the general health so good.
The ideal weather conditions prevailing, combined with good rationing, regular working hours, and good facilities for swimming (the Somme Canal) have all contributed to the general well being and good health of the Battalion. (p.56 AWM 23/76/28 Appendix 16)

All the Battalions went back into the line shortly after. The 15th Brigade would take part in the Battle of Hamel, and all would play their part in the Hundred Days Offensive and the breaking of the Hindenberg Line.

The Imperial War Museum holds a short piece of film of the 33rd Battalion’s aquatic carnival on 20 May 1918. Unfortunately, I cannot embed it but you can view it by clicking below.

An Australian Brigade holds a water carnival in the Somme

It not only shows swimming races but punt battles, wrestling and diving with the men wearing, or not wearing, all manner of bathing costumes.