The Value of Naturism in the Event of War

The Naturist, January 1939, By Betty Ardron

War and Nudism. In January 1939, eight months before the start of World War II, Betty Ardron wrote an article in the British nudist magazine The Naturist that focused on these two seemingly unrelated topics.

The article provides a fascinating insight into the perspective of a British naturist, particularly from the viewpoint of a woman, during the tense period of time leading up to a potential global war. The author delves into the question of what role naturism might play in the midst of a catastrophic conflict, and offers a thought-provoking analysis of the potential impact of such an event on the naturist community.

Given the turmoil and uncertainty of the times, the author's calm and measured approach to this topic is particularly striking. Her ability to articulate the concerns and perspectives of the naturist community, while also taking into account the wider context of the looming conflict, is a testament to her thoughtful and nuanced approach to the subject.

As we look back on this period of history from our modern vantage point, it is important to remember the sense of unease and uncertainty that pervaded the world in those days. The knowledge and understanding of the events leading up to World War II were not as clear-cut as they may seem in hindsight. The article serves as a valuable reminder of the complexity and ambiguity of history, and the importance of understanding the context in which events unfolded.

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THE VALUE of NATURISM in the EVENT OF WAR

By Betty Ardron

While many of us feel only a lukewarm enthusiasm for digging trenches for a war that still may never come into being, there are other ways in which we can do good work in preparation for a possible war, which, even if war never does break out, would be of great benefit to the race.

Such important work lies in the spreading of the cult of sun and air bathing, and the forwarding of the Naturist Movement. With the possibility of a war within the next few years, we should be doing all within our power to introduce all whom we possibly can to Naturism, enabling them to see for themselves the enormous advantages that sun and air bathing has over any other pastime, the maximum pleasure being enjoyed while health and strength of mind and body are being built up by the most economical means.

Now, especially, we should be advertising the movement, passing on our Naturistic magazines to friends and acquaintances; no longer letting the light of Naturism be hidden behind mountains of reticence. While the winter months are upon us we should be doing all we can to support the Sunbathing clubs that give us so much joy in the spring and summer.

There are many reasons why Naturism would be invaluable in war time. There would possibly be a shortage of good food, that is why we should need sun and air more than ever on our bodies, for when sunbathing we extract more nourishment from our food than when we are deprived of the rightful amount of the sun's rays.

Another advantage of sun and air bathing is that wounds heal quicker when given this natural aid, and in view of this fact should we not be preparing enough secluded sunbathing centres for the wounded soldiers to regain their health in the shortest possible time?

With the possibility of war ahead, our bitterest opponents are apt to readjust their sense of values and realize that we should not be able to afford to indulge in a show of mock modesty, depriving us of health and strength that would be needed more than ever before.

Sound nerves would be essential in times that would probably be the most terrible ever to enable us to keep calm in emergency and so be of use to those around us who might need our help, as well as preserving ourselves from the mental and physical wear and tear of panic.

During the war scare I decided what was my immediate duty in preparation--owning a quiet country home with a large garden, I set forth on a scheme of my own, and I decided that it would not be complete until I had a sunbathing dell with its games court, flower beds and summer house, a vegetable garden, and a corner for camping out; surrounding this spot would remain the green lawns and flower beds.

My home would become a sanctuary where those near and dear to me would be able to find periods of rest and regained health, and where they could bring their children to the comparative safety of the country.

So much could be done in this way; even small greenhouses could be converted into solariums with efficient sun-lamps for winter months. Sun is not quite so beneficial through glass, but it is still invaluable and would help war wounds to heal quicker.

Even in many of the smaller gardens there is room for a secluded corner, and where it is not possible to have a games court, gymnastic apparatus provides a deal of fun, especially with children.

There are many secluded beaches and country dells that would provide excellent sunbathing retreats for wounded soldiers, and to reserve these for such a noble purpose could only result in good.

In war time, especially, a means of pleasure would be needed for those on leave from the front, that is economical and health-giving, and we should all be able to provide such pleasure without leaving tired and broken-down warriors to look round for themselves in search of diversion from the horrors that they temporarily left. During their short periods of relaxation they would most desperately need the maximum benefit of the sun and air, which they would have lacked in the trenches.

Highly strung war children would need all our care and effort to fit them up with healthy minds and bodies, able to cope with the abounding handicaps of the war-wrecked world that they would grow up into, and to build up such children in war time would be a problem that only Naturism could solve.

Naturism could help to bring war-wrecked minds and nerves back to normality, Theatres, cinemas, and such stuffy indoor pleasure would only afford a very temporary relief, suitable only for when no healthier and more constructive enjoyment was at hand.

Music too, could soothe over-wrought nerves, but if enjoyed in the sun, it would be 100%, more beneficial. And in our hands, as women, will lie the work of keeping minds entertained that could not bear to wander into otherwise lonely pits of agony and regret.

To us Naturists it seems incredible that in these times all Hospitals, Nursing Homes and such Institutions for health of mind and body should not have their own sunbathing grounds. Such tonics as sun and air bathing should be combined with all healing, where possible and beneficial.

If war were to come upon us perhaps the advancement of Naturism would be one big step that we should be forced to take in dire necessity, but how much better to progress now instead of waiting until we are forced into our senses!

Some good usually seems to emerge from periods of combat and stress, and if war is what we have to face, then it seems that a boom in the Naturist Movement is almost inevitable then perhaps will rapidly come the time when clothes for sport and pleasure on a hot day will be laughed at and regarded as are the voluminous and ungainly bathing costumes of the Victorian age.

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It’s clear from Ardron's writing that she truly believed naturism would have a positive and healthy impact on the British public. I especially like the line saying, “we should be advertising the movement, passing on our Naturistic magazines to friends and acquaintances; no longer letting the light of Naturism be hidden behind mountains of reticence.”

I’d love to hear your opinions on the article.

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