Jan1954
30-04-2008, 10:25 PM
Some years ago, Mr P and I visited Poperinge in Belgium and had the privilege of staying in Talbot House.
Talbot House was a "safe haven" for soldiers returning to England from the front, and eventually became a soldiers' club. A very tall building, there were rooms on each landing (I think that there were 4 storeys in total) and in the attic was a chapel, where the men could pray or just gain some quiet time.
Telegraphy was very hit and miss in the Great War and many words were just referred to by their initials. However, certain letters sounded similar - like T and D. Therefore, T was referred to as Toc. Talbot House was indicated by initials in the messages sent up and down the wires and so became Toc H.
After the war, the work of Talbot House continued - offering support to those in need.
And so the organisation Toc H was born.
If you would like to see more information about this house, please visit here: http://www.greatwar.co.uk/westfront/ypsalient/toch/toch.htm
In 1929 Lord Wakefield of Hythe bought the house and so Poperinge is twinned with Hythe, in Kent.
Talbot House was a "safe haven" for soldiers returning to England from the front, and eventually became a soldiers' club. A very tall building, there were rooms on each landing (I think that there were 4 storeys in total) and in the attic was a chapel, where the men could pray or just gain some quiet time.
Telegraphy was very hit and miss in the Great War and many words were just referred to by their initials. However, certain letters sounded similar - like T and D. Therefore, T was referred to as Toc. Talbot House was indicated by initials in the messages sent up and down the wires and so became Toc H.
After the war, the work of Talbot House continued - offering support to those in need.
And so the organisation Toc H was born.
If you would like to see more information about this house, please visit here: http://www.greatwar.co.uk/westfront/ypsalient/toch/toch.htm
In 1929 Lord Wakefield of Hythe bought the house and so Poperinge is twinned with Hythe, in Kent.