The Comic Cards of Donald McGill and Douglas Tempest in World War One

Peter Tucker compares these two giants of the comic postcard scene

(Originally published in Picture Postcard Annual 1996)

(Reproduced by kind permission.)

5 Front Line

Mons, Marne, Ypres, Verdun, Somme and Passchendaele are the names associated with some of the bloodiest battles of the war. It was not until the Somme offensive in 1916 that the full realities of the war presented themselves to the people at home. By the end of the first day of the battle the British army had suffered 60,000 casualties: it was the worst carnage in the history of the British army.

The horrors of battle and the discomforts of trench life were never known to McGi11 and Tempest but there were photographs and movie film for them to draw on, and they also had good imaginations. Although both artists concentrated on the home front for their inspiration they did draw some action cards as well. On a card in the "Twelve-Seven-Four" series Tommy is sticking his bayonet in the belly of a fat German "War Note:- The British Force is now operating on an extended front!" But on "Comique" series no.1806 we have "The end in sight!" (A little optimistic for early 1917 when this was published). Tommy is sticking his bayonet in the other end of a German, who is disappearing into his dugout. On the floor of the trench, along with the other litter, are two beer bottles. Germans were often portrayed as fat drunkards, and this one has dropped his Iron Cross in his desperate hurry to get away. This card compares well with "Witty Comic" series no.299, "Stop ye fathead, before Oi blow your German brains out". One can see from this caption Tempest's feelings towards them.

In another card he draws a Tommy pointing to a sign in front of which is standing a frightened German, it reads, "Rubbish must not be shot here" he is saying "Gee up Fritz! You can see for yourself I can't to it on you here!"

See also "At the Front"