Military Chat

A Mrs Maude Dickinson sent some long lasting yeast-free bread to France during WWI. Does anybody have any information concerning this?

Nothing obvious coming up on an internet search. What is the source for your statement?

Welcome to the Community boards Geoffrey.



I found this link where Maude Dickinson is mentioned but haven't read through the whole thing...

https://www.kshs.org/teachers/pdfs/food_in_kansas.pdf





I will let Geoffrey know that he has replies to his query. :-)

Thank you both for your interest. The original source of my information is in a book by Frank A. Hotblack entitled, "A New Activity?", (Jarrold, 1920, p. 103)

Unfortunately, I made one mistake, the bread was sent to British prisoners of war in Germany and not to our troops in France. I quote,"Later, fifty-six loaves of bread made with the "New Activity" were sent to the British prisoners of war in Germany. The bread upon arrival, although then three weeks old, was so fresh that it could be not only eaten but thoroughly enjoyed."

I have found one or two references elsewhere, notably in an article written by the journalist, Cayley Calvert.

Regretably, the Kansas site does not help.

As it is 'war' related, you could contact the Imperial War Museum and ask if they have any further information

I contacted the Imperial War Museum some time ago, but no luck there, I'm afraid. However, I will try again. Thanks for the suggestion.

What a shame. May be they can suggest someone else to ask?


Did the book you read quote the original source? Just a thought. Such a pity it was written so long ago: it isn't as if you could contact the author.

There is a site dedicated to WW1 called Www.1914-1918.net also known as The Long Long Trail. You could try asking on their forums.