Re: The Pages of Punch

1940: Shortage of metal

Top priority was attached to replacing Spitfires that had been shot down. We were all encouraged to hand in metal domestic items so that they could be melted down to make up this shortfall. Much later I learned that this was just a ruse to enable people to feel that that they had contributed to the war effort and that our utensils were quite unsuitable.

Re: The Pages of Punch

I didn't know that MrMagoo I'm not sure why but it brought a lump to my throat I expect people needed to feel they could help in some way.

Re: The Pages of Punch

I'm sure that some items, iron railings for example, could have been of advantage, though. Not for aircraft, of course, but for other items such as tanks, bayonets and bullets.

Re: The Pages of Punch

We're just a frying pan short on this one

Brilliant cartoon

Re: The Pages of Punch

1940: Ignoring the danger

This type of cartoon appears quite often. It belongs to the category of ‘we’re not afraid.’ This view was not always justified.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1940: Invasion expected

After the fall of France it was expected that the Germans would be invading Britain. They certainly had detailed plans for how to do it. Anticipating airborne invasion was not unreasonable even if it went to extreme lengths. Brown’s employer does not have a lawn nearly big enough for an enemy aircraft to land. This cartoon shows a deliberate policy of finding humour in spite of the dire possibility of an actual invasion.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1940: There are limits

The boss hasn’t understood the purpose of camouflage, which is to prevent objects from standing out. A factory chimney is not going to become invisible just because Mr Billinghurst has painted it.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1942: Role reversal

A woman executive! How topsy-turvy. By rights (in 1942) she ought to be taking dictation not giving it. That certainly was the received wisdom at that time. If there really was a female executive she was expected to be middle aged with an appearance to match.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1941: Deference due to age

The man on the left sees a man considerably older than himself. The recipient of this respect sees an officer considerably senior to himself. Yet he feels able to scold the other man. Looking carefully at the older man’s uniform we can see why he can do so. We can see two rows of medal ribbons on his chest. No doubt during World War One he was a very senior officer well above the level of the man on the left.

Re: The Pages of Punch

I see the use of the word 'sir' as having two applications.
It can be used, or rather must be used, when addressing an officer.
On the other hand it can be used by anyone, of anyone, simply to show respect.
In my experience, it can occasionally be used for both purposes simultaneously!