No Answer, by Bairnsfather
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
No Answer, by Bairnsfather
No Answer " Whats the matter with your ead Bill - Pelmanism? or caught it on a barrage?" A cartoon by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather in The Bystander, featuring Old Bill Date: 1918
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14185229
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Answer Bairnsfather Barrage Bill Bruce Bystander
No Answer
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a poignant and humorous cartoon by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather, published in The Bystander magazine in October 1918 during the final months of the First World War. The image depicts Old Bill, a beloved character created by Bairnsfather, sitting dejectedly in a trench with a bandaged head. His comrade, also wearing a wounded expression, asks, "What's the matter with your head, Bill - Pelmanism or caught it on a barrage?" The question refers to two popular pastimes of the soldiers during their downtime - Pelmanism, a memory game, and the constant danger of being hit by a barrage, or a large volume of artillery fire. The use of humor in this cartoon serves as a coping mechanism for the soldiers, allowing them to find levity in the midst of the horrors of war. The First World War, also known as the Great War, lasted from 1914 to 1918 and was one of the deadliest conflicts in history. Millions of soldiers and civilians were killed or wounded, and the psychological toll on those who survived was immense. Bairnsfather's cartoons, which often featured Old Bill and his comrades, provided a much-needed respite for soldiers and civilians alike. "No Answer" is a poignant reminder of the human spirit's ability to find humor and connection even in the most difficult of circumstances. The image also serves as a testament to the enduring power of art to capture and preserve history. This particular cartoon, with its witty dialogue and insightful commentary on the soldiers' experiences, is a valuable addition to the historical record of the First World War.
MADE IN THE USA
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.
