On this day 23 July 1918 battle-weary soldiers enjoyed the respite of a Divisional sports day in Authie, France.

These events were hugely popular with the troops as the different units pitched themselves against their comrades in a wide range of activities – boxing , mule jumping, hurdle racing, bayonet throwing, obstacle racing and even fancy dress. In the words of one soldier, Jack Pryce: “Some of the competitors were very amusing. The mule race was the best of the lot. Some of the mules would not start and others turned round and ran back to the starting point when they were half way round the course. The funniest part was trying to get them to jump the hurdles. One mule absolutely refused to jump but walked clean through the hurdles.”

Shown here is official war photographer Henry Armytage Sander’ image of the mounted officers' obstacle pace event. The idea was that riding past a brass band making loud noises would test the rider and horse. According to observers “The Band did not scare the rider who galloped resolutely through”.

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