The over-enthusiasm of some sportsmen in the trenches
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The over-enthusiasm of some sportsmen in the trenches
" Libellous? - With a sporting battalion at the front: Highly imaginative drawings" The over-enthusiasm of Harry Lows sporting battalion certainly raises a smile. There were many such battalions, including the 1st Football Battalion (aka 17/Middlesex) and the Sportsmens Battalion (23/Royal Fusiliers), which included two England cricketers as well as the countrys lightweight boxing champion. Despite the mocking tone of this cartoon, the British greatly admired sporting ability and substantial coverage was often given to the many talented sportsmen who lost their lives, such as Anthony Wilding, the New Zealand-born tennis champion who was killed by a shell explosion at Neuve Chapelle in May 1915. Date: 1915
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Media ID 14117038
© Illustrated London News/Mary Evans
Battalion Cricket Cricketer Cricketers Enthusiasm Football Footballer Goalkeeper Golf Golfer Golfers Satire Satirical Sporting Sportsman Sportsmen Trench Trenches Warfare Goalkeepers
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Over-Enthusiasm of Harry Low's Sporting Battalion: A Humorous Depiction of War and Sport in World War I This print, titled "Libellous? - With a sporting battalion at the front: Highly imaginative drawings," showcases the lively spirit and unexpected camaraderie of Harry Low's sporting battalion during World War I. The cartoon, which dates back to 1915, offers a lighthearted take on the unusual combination of athleticism and trench warfare. At the time, there were numerous sporting battalions, including the 1st Football Battalion (also known as the 17/Middlesex) and the Sportsmen's Battalion (23/Royal Fusiliers), which boasted England cricketers and the country's lightweight boxing champion among their ranks. Although the tone of this cartoon may appear mocking, it is essential to remember that the British population held sporting ability in high regard and frequently celebrated the achievements of the many talented athletes who made the ultimate sacrifice, such as Anthony Wilding, the New Zealand-born tennis champion, who was tragically killed by a shell explosion at Neuve Chapelle in May 1915. The image presents a scene of soldiers, presumably from Harry Low's sporting battalion, displaying their unbridled enthusiasm for their respective sports amidst the harsh realities of the trenches. The cartoon features a football goalkeeper and goalkeepers, cricketers, golfers, and golfers, all engaged in their sports, seemingly oblivious to the danger lurking nearby. The juxtaposition of the soldiers' intense focus on their games and the backdrop of the trenches and warfare creates a striking and humorous contrast. This print, with its satirical and humorous tone, offers a unique perspective on the experiences of the soldiers during World War I, reminding us of the resilience, determination, and even the sense of humor that sustained them through the challenges they faced.
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