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Are you as one of these? H. M. Bateman cartoon
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Are you as one of these? H. M. Bateman cartoon
" Are you as one of these? A few splendid fellows who are unfortunately debarred from meeting the Germans - and why." This cartoon during the enlistment drive at the beginning of the First World War mocks various men who are reluctant to volunteer for the army for a variety of ludicrous reasons. A million men signed up to fight the Germans in 1914, and this Bateman cartoon reveals the attitude of social pressure to enlist, as it almost goads the reader by asking him whether he too is looking for excuses not to volunteer. Date: 1914
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Are You as One of These? A Few Splendid Fellows Who Are Unfortunately Debarred from Meeting the Germans - and Why.
EDITORS COMMENTS
This iconic H.M. Bateman cartoon, published in 1914, captures the spirit of the enlistment drive during the early stages of the First World War. With over a million men signing up to fight the Germans, social pressure to volunteer was immense. This cartoon, however, pokes fun at those who found ludicrous reasons to avoid enlistment. The image depicts a group of men, each with their unique excuses for not joining the army. One man, with a large mustache, is shown sitting in an armchair, refusing to move, claiming he's "too large to enlist." Another man, with a violin under his chin, declares that he's "too musical" and can't bear to leave his instrument behind. A third man, with a large dog, insists that he can't go without his pet, while a fourth man, with a large family, argues that he's needed at home. The cartoon's title, "Are You as One of These?" almost goads the reader into questioning their own reasons for not enlisting. The image serves as a reminder of the social pressure and expectations placed on men during the war, as well as the absurdity of some of the excuses used to avoid military service. The cartoon was published during a time when Belgium and France were under threat from the German army, and the need for volunteers was urgent. The image of soldiers marching off to war was a common sight, and this cartoon adds a humorous yet poignant commentary to the historical record of the First World War. The cartoon's enduring popularity is a testament to Bateman's ability to capture the essence of the era and the human condition.
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