Shakespeare Hut

“Y.M.C.A. Shakespeare Hut.” A real photographic postcard printed in England with a handwritten note, “my home in London”, written on the back. 

The Shakespeare Hut on the corner of Keppell and Gower Streets in London was close to the British Museum and offered free services to all sailors and soldiers in His Majesty’s Forces during the war. The hut had reading and writing rooms, a concert hall, library and accommodation. Meals were also available at low prices and were a welcome luxury when measured against the rations received on the frontline. Many New Zealand soldiers passed through the Shakespeare Hut doors when granted leave from their posting in Belgium and France.