Watch List notes:

Y.M.C.A. (Young Men's Christian Association) Herford & Bad Salzuflen canteen 1/6 Mark Token Voucher (Lothar-Weiß SU.9) for the English speaking Soldiers and Army in the area of Herford and Bad Salzuflen, Germany after the end of World War II circa 1945 onwards. Printed in black on light red thin cardboard and uniface, featuring the Y.M.C.A. triangle logo at upper centre which was a well recognized and common sight during the war. Almost as soon as the war broke out Y.M.C.A. developed mobile canteens to bring refreshments to the troops. These second-hand vans painted camouflage green were first used in East London and by the end of 1940 there 500 vans in operation bringing refreshments to the troops, rescue workers and victims of bomb raids. At the retreat of Dunkirk , Y.M.C.A. remained on the beaches until ordered to leave. The vans followed advancing and withdrawing armies not only serving mugs of tea but also selling cigarettes, chocolate, cake, hair cream, toothpaste and stationery. They also provided food and drink to those made homeless and hungry. They also had cinema vans and mobile libraries. The first British YMCA mobile canteen landed on the Normandy beaches on 29th July 1944. Internationally, the World Alliance of YMCAs expanded its work with prisoners of war and refugees: more than 250 secretaries visited camps in 38 countries. The Y.M.C.A. was given 'official military establishment status' – essentially given permission to operate with troops in all areas and particularly in front line positions which was very dangerous in these circumstances where the canteens became under attack and the men being wounded or captured. GVF - EF and very Scarce

Estimate: 15-30 GBP