Restrictions, requisitions and crimes
Although the British soldiers and civilian populations lived together in relative harmony during the war there was some friction here and there. The recurrent problem, as a result of the compensation for requisitions and the damage caused by the British army, weighed heavily on the relations between civilians and the military.
The main victims without a doubt were the farmers whose land and farms were used for the cantonment and training of the troops. The civilian population’s discontent essentially related to the way in which compensation was paid. The relative complexity of the compensation procedure only added fuel to the plaintiff’s discontent in the sense that they felt that they were not sufficiently compensated.
Other problems, related to alcohol consumption, to the large-scale development of prostitution or even to some offenses which could be attributed to Tommies who were less circumspect, also added to a less than idyllic notion of the co-existence of these communities.
Gambling is strictly prohibited, first quarter of the 20th century, poster, coll. Departmental Archives du Nord, Lille, France – mark J 394
In the cantonment zones behind the lines the soldiers quite frequently engaged in gambling to pass the time. This practice was however banned by the military authorities to avoid any problems.
Repression of clandestine prostitution, first quarter of the 20th century, poster, coll. Departmental Archives du Nord, Lille, France – mark J 1021 72
It was not uncommon for women who engaged in prostitution to find a house near the cantonment camps behind the lines. The local authorities paid a lot of attention to these practices which they sought to ban.
Caron Achille (1888-1947), The Refugees’ café, barracks near the gate with French and English soldiers, first quarter of the 20th century, glass plate, © Musée Quentovic – Ville d’Etaples-sur-Mer
Although the military authorities closely monitored and regulated any alcohol consumption they did not prohibit the opening of cafés in the cantonment camps. Here a barracks has been transformed into a pub.
