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Old Bill and Co. September 1940
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Old Bill and Co. September 1940
" No, you were wrong, Bill! That wasn t another warnin you eard."
Bruce Bairnsfathers cartoon makes light of the repeated air-raid warnings civilians were subjected to during the Battle of Britain.
1940
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14403446
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Airraid Bairnsfather Bill Blitz Bombardment Bombing Bombings Bombs Bruce Cartoonist Casualties Civilian Civilians Effort Illustrations Morale Raid Sep16 Warnings
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No, you were wrong, Bill! That wasn't another warning you heard.
EDITORS COMMENTS
This iconic cartoon by renowned British satirical illustrator Bruce Bairnsfather, published in the Illustrated London News on September 16, 1940, captures the spirit of resilience and dark humor that emerged during the intense air raids of the Battle of Britain. As the Second World War raged on, civilians in Britain were subjected to a constant barrage of air raid sirens and warnings. In this cartoon, Old Bill, a quintessential British everyman, sits in a bomb shelter with his companions, listening intently to the radio for the latest updates on incoming air raids. His friend, Co., interjects with a false alarm, only to be met with Old Bill's exasperated response. The cartoon serves as a poignant reminder of the morale-boosting role humor played during the Blitz. Despite the ever-present threat of bombs and casualties, civilians found solace in the shared experience of enduring the bombardment together. Bairnsfather's illustration is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the British people during the war. It also highlights the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy and levity amidst the chaos and uncertainty. The cartoon is a powerful reminder of the human capacity to find humor and connection even in the most challenging of circumstances. This print, from the extensive collection of the Mary Evans Picture Library, is a valuable historical artifact that offers a unique perspective on the home front during the Battle of Britain. It is a must-have for anyone interested in the social and cultural history of the Second World War.
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