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The Dud Shell, by Bairnsfather
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The Dud Shell, by Bairnsfather
The Dud Shell -
-Or the Fuse Top Collector
" Give it a good ard it Bert, you can generally ear em fizzin a bit first if they are a-goin to explode"
1916
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14185343
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Bairnsfather Bruce Bystander Explode Shell Unexploded
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Dud Shell," or "The Fuse Top Collector," is a classic and iconic World War I cartoon by British satirical illustrator, Sir William Heath Robinson, better known as "Bruce Bairnsfather. This humorous image, published in the Illustrated London News in 1916, depicts a weary and unassuming soldier, Bert, casually collecting unexploded dud shells from the battlefield. The soldier in the background, seemingly oblivious to the danger, nonchalantly lights a cigarette as Bert carefully examines each shell, listening for the telltale fizzing sound that indicates they are about to explode. The First World War was marked by the extensive use of artillery, with millions of shells fired during the conflict. Many of these shells failed to detonate upon impact, leaving the battlefields littered with unexploded ordnance. Soldiers like Bert were often tasked with the dangerous job of collecting these duds, a task that required a great deal of skill and experience to avoid the risk of detonation. Bairnsfather's cartoon masterfully captures the absurdity and irony of war, as well as the resilience and dark humor of the soldiers who lived through it. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the realities of war and the often-unseen dangers faced by soldiers on the front lines. This print, published by the Illustrated London News Ltd and available through Mary Evans Prints Online, is a testament to Bairnsfather's unique ability to capture the essence of the war experience through his witty and insightful cartoons. It is a valuable historical artifact that offers a glimpse into the daily life and challenges faced by soldiers during the First World War.
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