YMCA Bible Belonging to Corporal Frank Richards

This Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) bible and tin were responsible for saving the life of their owner, Corporal Frank Richards 3526, of the 6th Liverpool Rifles. Cpl Richards carried them into battle somewhere in Northern France during the First World War. He was shot but the bible saved his life by deflecting the bullet away from his heart and he was lucky to escape with bruised ribs. The bullet hole can clearly be seen to pass straight through the bible.

The Bible is a collection of ancient writings including the books of both the Old and New Testaments. It is central to both Christianity and Judaism, although the scriptures contained within these versions differ.

The YMCA was founded in London in 1844, in response to the unhealthy social conditions in the big cities at the end of the Industrial Revolution. The YMCA began among evangelicals, and was unusual at the time as it crossed the rigid lines that separated different churches and social classes in England. The group was particularly active during the First World War, and was formally recognised for its activities during this period that included providing bibles for troop.

This bible is part of the King's Regiment collections at the former Museum of Liverpool Life.

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