Re: The Pages of Punch

"I find it hard to believe that this would have been considered funny at the time."

I think it's part of the British psyche to try and find humour in any tragedy hence the profusion of allegedly `poor taste` jokes after some disaster or event. So-called gallows humour.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1939: A joke that would soon become obsolete

‘We’re going to hang up our washing on the Siegfried Line. Have you any dirty washing mother dear?’

This was a popular song that British soldiers sang during the first few months of the war before Hitler’s blitzkrieg drove the British Army to Dunkirk. This cartoon presented its readers with a joke that would soon become obsolete and truly embarrassing.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1940: Gallows Humour

Looking at a painting depicting a railway disaster is apparently a cheerful experience. How is this justified? By taking our minds away from the current disasters in the war.

Re: The Pages of Punch

Not a painting; the cinema!

Re: The Pages of Punch

You are quite right! It’s the Flicks, of course!

Re: The Pages of Punch

1940: Everyone can help

If this is satire then it is very gentle satire. Of course, Miss Stapleton hasn’t won the previous war. However this cartoon emphasises the point everyone can play a part in this most important enterprise.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1939: I am different

This cartoon is surely meant as a satire on the way upper middle class people display what is nowadays called a sense of entitlement. This woman simply cannot believe that the reasonable policy of rationing can possibly apply to her.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1939: Al Fresco Dining

In 1939 such things might have been seen as an important cause of complaint. Not for much longer...

Re: The Pages of Punch

1940: Enjoying the war

For upper class women the war offered many opportunities – especially for wearing fashionable uniforms. The perception at the time was the Wren (Women’s Royal Naval Service) officers had the most glamorous outfits. The artist seems to imply that the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) officer’s uniform was equally stylish. It wasn’t.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1940: Wartime priority

Trust in God and keep your powder dry

The cartoonist helpfully points to Oliver Cromwell as the origin of this statement. In 1940 that was what people thought. Wikipedia now suggest that the saying was made at a later date.

Originally gunpowder needed to be dry so that the musket could be fired. The service women needed dry powder for quite a different reason.