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Two soldiers in a trench during WW1
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Two soldiers in a trench during WW1
Two soldiers in a trench during the First World War. The officer, new at his job, is asking whether the enemy are very close. The experienced soldier who has been mining below the German trenches says: Yessir. Hear em pickin? The officer asks: Picking what? The soldier replies: Pickin their teeth, sir.
circa 1916
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Media ID 7187775
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10527684
Enemy Experienced Mine Mining Picking Post Card Ranstead Satire Shaft Teeth Trench Trenches Mine Shaft War Time Ww 1
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Two Soldiers in a Trench: A Moment of Dark Humor in the Heart of War Amidst the grim reality of the First World War, moments of levity and camaraderie between soldiers were precious. This photograph, taken circa 1916, portrays two soldiers in a trench, their faces etched with the weary lines of battle-hardened men. The officer, new to his role, leans over to ask the experienced soldier a question, his brow furrowed with concern. The veteran, with a knowing smirk, responds with a quip that belies the tension of their surroundings. "Are the enemy very close?" the officer inquires, his voice barely a whisper. The seasoned soldier, his eyes fixed on the mine shaft before them, replies, "Yessir. Hear 'em pickin'?" The officer cocks his head, puzzled. "Picking what?" he asks. The soldier's grin widens as he answers, "Pickin' their teeth, sir." Despite the dire circumstances, the soldiers find humor in the mundane, reminding us that even in the most trying of times, the human spirit can find a way to laugh. The image of these two soldiers, huddled in the trench, is a poignant reminder of the complexities of war and the importance of finding light in the darkness. This photograph, from the Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection, offers a glimpse into the wartime experience, blending the raw emotion of the frontlines with the satirical wit of the soldiers themselves. It is a testament to the enduring power of humor and the indomitable spirit of those who served during the First World War.
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