The First World War was for the most part a stalemate. Allied and German forces, dug into trenches, faced each other across No Man's Land all along the Western Front. For almost four years there was little significant movement on either side, and the trenches became a semi-permanent settlement for the soldiers stationed in them. Conditions were dreadful and, despite the proximity of the enemy, there were long periods of inactivity. During such times, the soldiers occupied themselves with such things as letters to and from home, and making their surroundings as bearable as possible.

This sign was made by soldiers to be hung above the entrance to a dugout used by No. 1 Siege Company of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers.