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Bruce Bairnsfather cartoon, Maxim Maxim
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Bruce Bairnsfather cartoon, Maxim Maxim
Captain Bruce Bairnsfather, WW1 cartoon, Maxim Maxim -- Fire should be withheld till a favourable target presents itself, published in the Bystander, 1916. Date: 1916
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Media ID 14186296
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Onslow Auctions Limited
Aiming Asleep Autograph Bairnsfather Binoculars Brick Bruce Bystander Guns Maxim Signature Signed Sleeping Target Weapon Weapons
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Maxim Maxim: A WWI-era cartoon by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather, published in The Bystander in 1916. In this humorous illustration, we find two weary soldiers huddled together in the trenches of the Western Front during World War I. One soldier, with a determined look in his eyes, is aiming his weapon at a seemingly distant target, while the other, fast asleep, is oblivious to the impending danger. The caption above reads, "Maxim Maxim - Fire should be withheld till a favourable target presents itself." Captain Bruce Bairnsfather, a British soldier and cartoonist, created this cartoon during the height of the war, offering a glimpse into the daily life and experiences of soldiers in the trenches. The title "Maxim Maxim" is a reference to the famous military maxim, "Fire and forget," which encourages soldiers to engage their targets quickly and move on to the next one. However, Bairnsfather's cartoon playfully subverts this notion, emphasizing the importance of careful aim and patience. The soldiers' surroundings are depicted in stark detail, with the rough, uneven trench wall, the muddy ground, and the smoky, hazy atmosphere all contributing to the sense of grim reality that underpins the humor. The soldier aiming his weapon clutches his binoculars, scanning the terrain intently, while the sleeping soldier's helmet rests carelessly beside him. The contrast between the two soldiers underscores the varying emotions and experiences that soldiers faced during the war. This original print, signed by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather, is a rare and valuable piece of wartime history. It offers a unique perspective on the daily challenges and camaraderie that soldiers faced during World War I, as well as a testament to the enduring power of humor to provide comfort and relief in even the most difficult of circumstances.
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