Recruits, 1780
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Recruits, 1780
Recruits, 1780.Engraving by Watson and Dickinson after W H Bunbury, 1780.This caricature was published during the American War of Independence (1775-1783). The war in America made enormous demands on British Army manpower. Here a recruiting officer and a non-commissioned officer line up new recruits outside an inn. Although the Army required able-bodied men, in times of shortage it would make do with whoever it could get. Many recruits were less than ideal material, as this caricature illustrates.Even so, the Government could not find enough recruits at home, and was forced to supply the shortfall by hiring Hessian (German) mercenaries. Date: 1780
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Media ID 14395002
© The National Army Museum / Mary Evans Picture Library
1775 1780 1783 Bunbury Commissioned Demands Dickinson Enormous Here Independence Manpower Recruiting Recruits Watson Made
EDITORS COMMENTS
Recruits, 1780" is an engraving that offers a humorous yet insightful look into the British Army's recruitment efforts during the American War of Independence (1775-1783). The image, created by Watson and Dickinson after W.H. Bunbury, captures a scene outside an inn where a recruiting officer and a non-commissioned officer are lining up new recruits. The caricature satirically portrays the Army's desperate need for manpower, as it appears to accept recruits of less than ideal material. During the war in America, the British Army faced enormous demands for manpower. With able-bodied men in short supply, the Government was compelled to accept recruits who may not have met the Army's usual standards. This caricature humorously illustrates the situation, depicting a motley crew of recruits, some with physical deformities, others with questionable hygiene, and a few who appear to be intoxicated. Despite the abundance of recruits in this image, the British Government still struggled to meet its manpower needs. As a result, it was forced to hire Hessian (German) mercenaries to supplement its ranks. The caricature provides a unique glimpse into the challenges faced by the British military during the American War of Independence and the lengths it went to in order to maintain its strength. This engraving, published in 1780, is an important historical document that sheds light on the realities of war and military recruitment during this period. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and hardships endured by soldiers and the innovative strategies employed by military leaders to ensure the success of their campaigns.
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