Remembrance Day: How the YMCA Supported Australian Soldiers During World War I

A soldier driving a horse drawn wagon at the Army camp in Liverpool NSW, 1914. The YMCA tent is in the background. Photo: Australian War Memorial.

The Y has always been about supporting people to thrive, even during history’s hardest moments.

Ahead of Remembrance Day on Wednesday, November 11, as we honour the Australians who have served our nation during times of conflict, we also remember the role the YMCA played in supporting military personnel and their families.

Outdoor portrait of 4269 Lieutenant (Lt) Donald Henry Pickup, 13th Battalion, beside a "Dinkum oil for today" sign at a YMCA centre. Photo: Australian War Memorial. 

During World War I, the YMCA Australia was entrusted with supporting the recreational, social and moral welfare of Australian soldiers. The work aligned closely with the YMCA's long-standing commitment to nurturing the mind, body and spirit, represented by the three sides of its iconic red triangle. During the war, the symbol became closely associated with sacrifice and Christian service.

As an early example of the Y's commitment to strengthening communities, the organisation established tents, huts and recreation centres across Australia and overseas, including near active war zones. Beneath the sign of the red triangle, soldiers could write letters home, share a cup of tea, watch a film, play games, attend educational talks and find moments of connection away from the realities of war.

North (or Ocean) Beach near Ari Burnu. A Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) tent is at the centre of the image. Photo: Australian War Memorial. 

The impact of the Sydney YMCA and the wider global YMCA movement was significant. More than a century later, the Y continues to create safe, welcoming spaces where people can build connections, feel a sense of belonging and access support when they need it most.

For military families, that legacy of support continues today.

Kerryn and her son.

For Defence family members Kerryn and Stacey, that assistance comes through the Y Hammondville OSHC, which has provided stability and connection for their young son.

“Defence life can involve irregular hours, postings, training commitments and time away from home, and children benefit enormously from having a stable, welcoming environment they can rely on,” said Kerryn, who joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2004.

“Places like the Y provide not just care, but consistency, connection and community, all of which help Defence kids feel grounded, supported and confident, no matter what changes are happening around them.”

While the challenges facing communities have changed, the Y's commitment to strengthening people and communities remains as relevant today as it was during the First World War.

From providing moments of comfort and connection for soldiers overseas to creating stability and belonging for Defence families at home, the Y continues to support people through life's challenges.

Australian First World War poster issued by the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) to promote the Snapshots-from-Home League of Australia. Photo: Australian War Memorial.  

 

Sources

The Sydney YMCA and World War I, Philanthropists and Philanthropy (2015). https://colonialgivers.com/2015/11/21/the-sydney-ymca-and-world-war-i/

Australian War Memorial, Outdoor portrait of 4269 Lieutenant (Lt) Donald Henry Pickup, 13th Battalion, beside a "Dinkum Oil" YMCA tent, Collection No. C1256765. Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1256765

Australian War Memorial, North (or Ocean) Beach near Ari Burnu. Medical tents bearing red crosses are at the left and a YMCA marquee is visible nearby (Collection No. C2082303). Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C2082303

Australian War Memorial, Send them all Snapshots from home... (Collection No. C100938). Available at: https://collection.awm.gov.au/C100938

Australian War Memorial, Liverpool, NSW. c. 1914. A soldier driving a horse drawn wagon at the Army camp. The YMCA tent is visible in the background (Collection No. C292465). Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C292465