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A M -N M B
H
owever, although Port was not usually
dispensed to British troops as part of their
daily rations, it played an important role as a
morale booster and tonic. Apart from it being
delicious, drinking Port o ered a number of
other bene ts in the miserable conditions
of the trenches, in which soldiers endured
extreme discomfort whilst having to remain
constantly alert and on their guard.
Its rich avours, reminiscent of sociable
occasions and family celebrations, had a
regenerative and comforting e ect. At the
same time, its alcoholic strength was su cient
to warm the spirits, but did not have the
intoxicating e ect of a similar measure of rum.
Furthermore, the sweetness of Port – described
by one Port shipper as “bottled sunshine” –
contributed to its gladdening e ect.
Port was the beverage of choice for British o cers