The Smoke of Battle, by Bairnsfather
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The Smoke of Battle, by Bairnsfather
The Smoke of Battle When rolling your Bull Durham, the most important thing is to keep the hands steady so that the tobacco lies evenly on the palm A cartoon by Bruce Bairnsfather in the Bystander shows an American soldier (nonchalantly helmetless) rolling a cigarette while shells whizz overhead and land close by Date: 1918
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Media ID 14171762
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Bairnsfather Bruce Bull Bystander Cigarette Durham Rolling Tobacco
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Smoke of Battle: An American Soldier's Moment of Calm in the Chaos of World War I Amidst the deafening roar of artillery and the relentless whizz of shrapnel through the air, an American soldier takes a moment of respite to roll a cigarette. In this poignant and humorous cartoon by renowned British satirical artist Bruce Bairnsfather, titled 'The Smoke of Battle,' we witness a scene that encapsulates the paradoxical nature of life on the Western Front during World War I. The soldier, helmetless and nonchalant, focuses intently on his task, ensuring that the tobacco lies evenly on his palm as he rolls his Bull Durham cigarette. Shells explode in the background, their smoke mingling with the soldier's own as he inhales deeply, savoring the brief moment of tranquility before returning to the fray. Bairnsfather's cartoon, published in The Bystander in 1918, offers a glimpse into the daily life of the soldiers who fought in the Great War. The cartoonist, who served as an officer in the British Army during the war, was known for his insightful and often humorous depictions of the frontline experience. 'The Smoke of Battle' is a poignant reminder of the human spirit's ability to find moments of calm and normalcy even in the most chaotic and devastating of circumstances. The soldier's simple act of rolling a cigarette becomes a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, a testament to the enduring human spirit that carried soldiers through the trials and tribulations of the First World War.
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