The Romance of the Red Triangle
The story of the coming of the red triangle and the service rendered by the Y.M.C.A. to the sailors and soldiers of the British Empire
"The Romance of the Red Triangle" by Sir Arthur K. Yapp is a historical account written in the early 20th century. It details the extensive work of the Young Men's Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.) during the First World War, focusing on the services provided to British soldiers and sailors. The narrative highlights how the Y.M.C.A. transformed to meet the needs of men in various war environments, creating a vital support system for those who served. The opening of the book sets the stage by recounting the establishment of Y.M.C.A. recreation tents in summer 1901 and foreshadows the organization's crucial role during the looming shadow of war in 1914. It emphasizes the rapid mobilization of resources to support troops during the war’s early days, describing the swift establishment of over two hundred Y.M.C.A. centers across the UK, as well as their significance in maintaining morale among soldiers amid the harsh realities of war. The text offers a poignant blend of historical narrative and personal reflection on the impact of the Y.M.C.A., setting a foundation for the stories and experiences that follow in the ensuing chapters.