Soldier cleaning a rifle, Western Front. A soldier sitting cleaning the mud off his rifle with a cloth. There is a tin in front of him which may have contained grease for oiling the gun. His growth of beard suggests he may have been continuously in the trenches for several days. Soldiers were expected to be cleanshaven, although moustaches were allowed.<br><p>This soldier is wearing a motley of clothing to keep warm. The cuff of a jumper can be seen under his jacket. He is also wearing one of the goatskin waistcoats issued in 1915, which were described as warm but very smelly!<br>
[Original reads: 'Before shaving Tommy cleans his rifle after coming out of the trenches.']<br></p>
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