Hutted Histories: They Shall Grow Not Mould - Biscuits at War

Crumbs! In this biscuit-tacular talk, Lyndsay will take a closer look at the humble army biscuit and its surprisingly important role during the First World War. While it might seem like a simple snack, the hard, dry biscuits, known as ‘hardtack’, were a vital part of soldiers’ rations, keeping them fed and going during some of the toughest conditions on the front line and through the tedium of warfare too.

One of the most fascinating things about these biscuits is how they never went mouldy, even after years of being stored. Thanks to their dense and dry nature, they could last for months, or even years, without spoiling - something that made them a perfect choice for long, gruelling campaigns in the trenches.

This talk will look at some fascinating stories and anecdotes about battlefield biscuits -  how soldiers would eat them, use them creatively and use them in many other interesting ways. 

By the end of the evening, you will have a new found appreciation for the unsung hero of wartime food - the army biscuit - and the role it played in keeping soldiers going through the Great War and beyond!