The second instalment of our blog about the letters and photographs which Evelyn Gordon Watson (1873–1968) and her daughter Christobel (1898–1987) sent home from an Italian canteen they staffed during the First World War.
21 May 2026Blog series Untold lives
Continuing from part one, we return to war-torn Italy in 1918 to catch up with the work of Evelyn and Christobel Gordon-Watson in supporting the soldiers of the Entente Powers. Further letters home tell the story of their ongoing efforts.
Following the retreat in November 1917, Evelyn took ill and was sent home to recover. Christobel joined her for Christmas, but by January 1918, both were back in Italy.
Christobel and Evelyn in uniform going about their duties among the resting soldiers. Add MS 89734/3/3, f. 73. British Library
Initially they assisted the Red Cross in their canteens, as well as setting up recreation huts to keep the soldiers entertained. Their roles were varied and even extended to supporting the amateur dramatics of the servicemen. A letter from 25 March 1918 describes preparations for a performance: ‘We are having a great entertainment on Easter Monday – The ‘Black Cats’ are doing it and I have been getting them new costumes’ (Add MS 89734/1/4; f. 18).
Christobel (left) and Evelyn (right) with the ‘Black Cats’ in their new costumes. Add MS 89734/3/3, f.11. British Library
By May, Evelyn and Christobel had found long-term work in a canteen in Istrana, north of Venice (Add MS 89734/1/4; ff. 33-37). This was mostly business-as-usual, but in July 1918, the 8th Army awarded both an Encomio for their work, including ribbons for a year of service, with a star for Evelyn marking two years (Add MS 89734/1/5).
That winter, the pair returned to England to celebrate Christmas and a letter from Evelyn, dated 11 December 1918, records an eventful bus-ride:
‘This has been a day of wild excitement. A letter and registered parcel arrived from Gen. Gandolfo... and we opened on the top of a bus! Imagine our feelings expecting to find the latest army corps magazine... to find 4 ‘Croci al merito di Guerra’ for us two, Bridget and Mary. It is a bronze cross on a blue and white ribbon. We were pleased. It is I think on account of our having been at Istrana through the June offensive, as it implies that one has been in a danger zone’
(Add MS 89734/1/5; ff. 65).
An example of a Croce al Merito di guerra.
That was not their only excitement however, as later that week Evelyn visited Buckingham Palace to receive her O.B.E. from the King.
But again they did not rest on their laurels, and, despite the Armistice of November 1918, both were back in Italy in January of 1919. They established a soup kitchen on the island of Grado, near the current border with Slovenia, to support the Italian poor, rather than troops exclusively. They distributed coffee each morning initially, then, when established in a house, they made minestra soup as well (Add MS 89734/1/6, ff.47-48; 83-86).
Minestra recipe to make 100 litres! Add MS 89734/3/1, f.17. British Library
The letters home continue until October 1919, recording the tireless efforts of these two women, as well as some lighter social occasions, including weddings and peace celebrations. The contributions of Evelyn and Christobel Gordon-Watson towards the war effort between 1915 and 1919 was considerable and should be remembered.
Letter of appreciation from the Commissioner for the Red Cross, Baron Courtauld-Thomson. Add MS 89734/3/2, f.6. British Library
Transcription of above letter:
Headquarters in Italy,
Hotel Royal,
Rome.
19th January 1919.
Dear Mrs Gordon Watson,
I am leaving Italy for good to-morrow night, but I feel I cannot go away without expressing to you and your daughter my great admiration for what you have accomplished. Though your work has not been directly under the British Red Cross I feel very proud to have been associated with you, even indirectly. No better piece of work has been carried out, and I know that you and the ladies who have worked with you will be remembered for many a long day to come.
I have heard on all sides of the deep impression that your devoted services have made upon the Italian soldiers. You never spared yourselves, and you have been an example to us all.
Hoping we shall meet again, and with best wishes and kind regards.
Yours very sincerely,
Courtauld Thomson
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