Lead Kindly Light by Bruce Bairnsfather, WW1 cartoon
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Lead Kindly Light by Bruce Bairnsfather, WW1 cartoon
" Yes, I know the roads rotten; but I m sure this habit of Sec.-Lieut. Smiths of finding his way back to billets with his private repeating Verey pistol (that his aunt sent him) will lead to trouble." A rather reckless officer encourages shell fire from the enemy in a bid to find his way through the dark somewhere on the Western Front. Date: 1918
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Media ID 14170668
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Amusing Bairnsfather Bruce Firing Lights Mans Nightime Pistol
Lead Kindly Light
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a poignantly humorous World War I cartoon by renowned British satirical artist Bruce Bairnsfather. Dated 1918, this print depicts a rather reckless Second Lieutenant, identified as Sec.-Lieut. Smith, bravely leading his troops through the darkened landscape of the Western Front. With a determined look on his face, he holds a private repeating Verey pistol, a gift from his aunt, and urges his men to fire into the night, confidently declaring, "Yes, I know the roads are rotten; but I'm sure this habit of Sec.-Lieut. Smith's of finding his way back to billets with his private repeating Verey pistol (that his aunt sent him) will lead to trouble." The scene unfolds against the backdrop of the harsh realities of war, with the ominous darkness of the night sky contrasting sharply with the bright flashes of gunfire. The soldiers, seemingly unfazed by their officer's unconventional method of navigation, follow suit, firing their weapons into the darkness. The cartoon masterfully captures the absurdity and the grim humor of the situation, as well as the camaraderie and resilience of the soldiers in the face of adversity. Bairnsfather's "Lead Kindly Light" is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the soldiers during the First World War, as they navigated the treacherous terrain and endured the hardships of the Western Front. This evocative print serves as a poignant reminder of the human side of history, offering a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers who fought valiantly in the name of their countries. Through his witty and insightful cartoons, Bruce Bairnsfather captured the essence of the soldiers' experiences during the Great War, providing a unique and invaluable perspective on this pivotal period in history. "Lead Kindly Light" remains a cherished piece of World War I memorabilia, offering a glimpse into the humor, courage, and camaraderie that defined the soldiers' lives on the Western Front.
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