Re: The Pages of Punch

1940: Sartorial equivalence

David Langdon makes a valid point here. The forage cap was rather a ridiculous piece of headgear. I am glad to say that during my National Service it had already been superseded by the beret which was a much simpler garment to wear.

Re: The Pages of Punch

I agree.

I have often wondered, and never yet found out, why both the forage cap and the beret are pulled over to the right side of the head.

The Frogs, of course, wear their berets to the left side.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1942: Troops entertaining each other

Much time was spent in the army when not actually fighting. Entertainment was seen as a way of improving soldiers’ morale. The sergeant, asking for talent, clearly doesn’t understand what is meant by that word. An officer will have told him to ask who has got talent. Anything that would interest or amuse the men would do.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1940: Obsession

For this boy the war has taken control of his mind. His teacher is trying to find another boy who will not be so taken up with planes and destruction. The Battle of Britain was not some piece of fiction: it was real and it was earnest.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1943: Persuasion

By 1943 there was a problem with regard to civilian use of public transport. While not actually preventing people going on recreational journeys the authorities tried hard to discourage such activity. Official journeys could be slow and arduous. In a time of shortages everywhere it was useful if people stayed at home. I recall a poster campaign to persuade people to take their holidays at home.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1937: Ogling a parent

The scene is at a public school (that means a fee paying private boarding school) when PK’s glamorous mother is visiting on an open day. The master is lost for words and can only express surprise that such an ordinary boy should have such an exceptional mother. The visitor doesn’t seem to mind.

It was quite normal in the 1930s for public school products to use the Latin words for father and mother as pater and mater.

Re: The Pages of Punch

enjoyable read over the past pages Mr Magoo ,, thank you

Re: The Pages of Punch

Hear hear. Please keep them coming!

Re: The Pages of Punch

For me its the explanations that make the cartoons interesting and funny... thanks Mr Magoo

Re: The Pages of Punch

Especially for us younger ones who are far too young to have been alive in the war years.