Supporting the war through labor

"Omnia Vincit" was carved on the shell case jug. It is from a Latin phrase by Virgil that originally reads "work conquers all," and thus speaks to how dedicated labor can lead to victory, particularly in the context of war.

In February 1917, the British Army established the Labour Corps to bring together the, by then, large array of units employed in laboring duties to support the army. No provision for labor services had been made prior to the outbreak of war, and initially the British Army relied on employing French civilians for such tasks. By 1915, it had become necessary to send support from Britain, and to recruit laborers from around the world, including the colonies.

Eventually, a 98,000 strong Chinese labor force, around 10,000 Africans, six battalions from the British West India Regiment, and contingents from Egypt and Fiji were active in Europe All were part of the Labour Corps, as were the numerous Works and Labour Battalions initially sent as part of Infantry Regiments from Britain. By 1918, the Corps numbered around 325,000.