Home > Historic > World War I and II > Naval warfare
Shocking by H. M. Bateman
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Shocking by H. M. Bateman
The A. B. who asked for a light! Commanding officers on board a Royal Navy ship are so shocked to have a subordinate abke seaman ask for a light for his cigarette, they both faint with disbelief necessitating the arrival of a restorative brandy. Date: 1917
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14392797
© Estate of H M Bateman/ILN/Mary Evans Picture Library
Cheeky Cigarette Cigars Command Deck Etiquette Faint Fainting May16 Sailor Sailors Insubordination Officers
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Historic
> World War I and II
> Naval warfare
> Humour
> H.M. Bateman
> Services
> Royal Navy
EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking image, titled "Shocking" by H.M. Bateman, captures a moment of insubordination on board a Royal Navy ship during World War I. The year is 1917, and the etiquette of the time dictated that sailors were not permitted to smoke, let alone ask their superiors for a light. In this photograph, two commanding officers are shown in a state of disbelief as a subordinate able seaman audaciously requests a light for his cigarette. The officers' expressions of shock are so intense that they both faint, necessitating the arrival of a restorative brandy. The scene unfolds on the deck of a naval vessel at sea, with the rough waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the background. The sailor, with a mischievous grin on his face, holds out his cigarette, waiting for the officers to regain consciousness before lighting up. The contrast between the formal attire of the officers and the casual attire of the sailor adds to the humorous and subversive nature of the image. This photograph is a testament to the strict military codes of conduct that governed the daily lives of sailors during the First World War. The image also highlights the human element of the war, with moments of defiance and rebellion providing a brief respite from the harsh realities of life at sea. The photograph, which is part of the Mary Evans Prints Online collection, is a reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of military life during wartime. It invites us to reflect on the role of humor and rebellion in maintaining morale and survival in the face of adversity.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
