The Western Front Association: furthering interest in the Great War 1914-18 | explore | learn | share

Article Index
Temperance in the Great War
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
All Pages

In the Great War there was a strong movement in the more religious sections of our country who sought to fight ‘The Great War’. Not the war against German but the war against alcohol.  Below is facsimile of booklet produce by the Rev. C. F. Tonks. He was the Secretary of the Church of England Temperance Society (C.E.T.S.) Readers may find this of interest.

THE GREAT WAR.

A FOREWORD.

"England has declared War on Germany"; so we read on August 4th, 1914, and during the last twelve months walls and hoardings have been covered with posters explaining "why England is at war," and calling upon men to join the Navy or the Army so that they may help England to win the victory (when the word "England" is used, it means, of course, the British Empire.) We have all talked about the War since it began, and, more than that, very, very many have tried to help - men, women, and children - each taking a share in the burden. In the pages that follow we shall see how the C.E.T.S. has been helping in the great War of Nations.

Now, while England and her Allies have to wage war against Germany, Austria, and Turkey, they have also at the same time to fight another dangerous enemy which is called "Strong Drink." War was declared  against it many years ago, but the enemy has not yet been conquered, and to-day there is more reason than ever why everyone - men, women, and children -should join together to secure victory in THIS great war.

This little book is written for the Young Temperance Soldier, and every Band of Hope member should read and-study it so that all may be the better able to help in winning the victory over our giant enemy, Strong Drink, which does so much harm.