HUMOUR, pride and propaganda were all reflected in the Christmas cards posted home from the trenches 100 years ago.

Family and friends were at the front of soldiers’ minds as they fought for their lives in freezing conditions during the First World War and this was reflected in the seasonal greetings which are now on display in York Castle Museum. British Bull Dogs, “Somme Pudding”

and a “Father Christmas” delivering alcohol all feature on the Regimental cards.

Others picture the resolve and determination of the regiments, while a card sent by a prisoner of war tries to portray a positive slant on Christmases spent captured behind enemy lines.

Faye Prior, collections facilitator at York museums Trust, said: “These cards often portrayed the dark humour and “stiff upper lip” attitude which were strongly associated with British trench warfare.

“Cards were also produced by German prisoner of war camps, to try to convince British families that imprisoned soldiers were being treated well.

“In both cases the cards portrayed images that each side wanted to be put into the public domain.”