Not every Christmas is one of comfort and joy, whether that is individually, or on a more global scale.
Back in 1915, Golf Monthly was not blind to the conflict raging in Europe, giving over its cover to an illustration of the hoped for advance in the coming year and an end to the Great War that was supposed to have been over by the previous Christmas.
There was plenty on the conflagration within the pages too. The legendary Harry Vardon penned an article on ‘what the professional is doing in the war’, while R.E. Howard took a similar look at the amateur. Vardon noted that, “At least 200 [golf pros] were with the colours at a time when no stringent pressure was being brought to bear on men to join…I am certain that this rally cannot be considered other than splendid.”
Elsewhere, Christmas greetings from golf’s great and good were printed for ‘Golfers now in the firing line.” Correspondents included former Open and Amateur Champions, Willie Park writing, “I wish to remind you that you are taking place in the greatest match in history. Although you have not won yet, you are ‘dormy’ and there is not the slightest doubt that, in the end, our Team will come out victorious.”
More thoughts from the home front can be found here.
