The Recruiting Problem Solved, by Bairnsfather
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The Recruiting Problem Solved, by Bairnsfather
The Recruiting Problem Solved " It strikes me, Bert, that if they combed this mud out they might get a few more men" A cartoon in The Bystander by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather featuring his popular characters Old Bill and Bert Date: 1918
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Media ID 14171804
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Bairnsfather Bert Bill Bruce Bystander Problem Recruiting Solved
The Recruiting Problem Solved,
EDITORS COMMENTS
a poignant and humorous cartoon by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather, published in The Bystander magazine in April 1918 during the height of World War I, offers a glimpse into the recruitment efforts of the British army during this critical period. The image features two of Bairnsfather's popular characters, Old Bill and Bert, standing in a muddy trench, with Old Bill remarking to Bert, "It strikes me, Bert, that if they combed this mud out they might get a few more men." The First World War, which began in 1914, had taken a heavy toll on the British military, with countless lives lost and many more injured. The need for new recruits was urgent, and the British government launched a massive recruitment campaign to meet the demands of the war effort. However, the harsh realities of trench warfare and the hardships of military life made it increasingly difficult to attract new volunteers. Bairnsfather's cartoon captures the essence of this dilemma, using his signature satirical style to highlight the absurdity of the situation. The muddy trench, a symbol of the harsh conditions of the Western Front, is the backdrop for Old Bill's observation, drawing attention to the seemingly insurmountable challenge of recruiting new soldiers. The cartoon also underscores the bravery and resilience of the soldiers already in the trenches, who continue to serve despite the hardships they face. The Recruiting Problem Solved is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the British military during World War I and the challenges faced by those tasked with keeping the ranks filled. Bairnsfather's cartoon not only provides a historical record of this period but also offers a unique perspective on the human experience of war.
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