Demobbed Collection

Twenty-eight days furlough by Alfred Leete
A British soldier waits patiently, along with many others at a dispersal station as he goes through the process of demobilisation at the end of the First World War. Date: 1919

Man unpacking his suitcase (b / w photo)
3094200 Man unpacking his suitcase (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Man unpacking his suitcase. Postcard, early 20th century.); © Look and Learn

The Brides Steamer (Colour Litho)
2808786 The Brides Steamer (Colour Litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: The brides steamer)

Cartoon, Laugh It Off Annual
Cartoon in the Laugh It Off Annual -- Demobbed! and glad to be back on the old job, sir! An employee returned from the war sits in his office with a young woman on each knee

Apres la Guerre no. 5 - postcard drawn by George Ranstead
Humorous drawing on a postcard by George Ranstead, an amateur soldier artist of the Great War. This image, one of a series suggesting what life might be like at the end of the war

A husband hunting expedition by Gladys Peto
Ladies eagerly arrive at a ball for demobilised officers in an illustration which is cheekily entitled, A husband-hunting expedition

From khaki to civvies, end of WW1
A tailor measures a demobbed soldier for civilian clothes after his return from the Great War. Date: 1919

Demobilisation - pivotal and slip men in Whitehall
Demobilised men at the Demobilisation Office in Whitehall waiting to get their papers. The group here are captioned as pivotal (the job creators)

From Khaki to Mufti, Moss Bros advertisement, 1918
An advertisement from mens outfitters, Moss Bros, highlighting the transition of mens clothign from uniform back to civilian now that the war had ended

A Facer by Wilmot Lunt
An ex-WRAF (Womens Royal Air Force) worker asks her pretty friend who is still in uniform and acting as a driver, I wonder why they demobbed me before you? Don t you, Maude. Date: 1919

The Lighter Side by Bernard Hugh
A Tommy (on furlough pending discharge): Blimey! I should fancy I had my bathing costume on. A soldier returning home weighed down with a greatcoat, boots, rifle

Over the Top by Bernard Hugh
The demobilisation of the army at the end of World War I was a slow process as this picture, from January 1919 confirms. Some units remained to police the Rhineland region

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"Demobbed: A Glimpse into the Transition from Khaki to Civvies after WW1" In Alfred Leete's iconic cartoon, "Twenty-eight days furlough, " we witness the anticipation and relief of soldiers as they prepare to return home. Featured in Laugh It Off Annual, this humorous depiction captures the mixed emotions experienced during demobilization. A poignant black and white photo showcases a man unpacking his suitcase, symbolizing the end of military life and the beginning of civilian existence. The image serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by returning servicemen as they reintegrate into society. "The Brides Steamer, " a vibrant color lithograph, portrays an eagerly awaited reunion between soldiers and their loved ones. This joyful scene encapsulates the hope and excitement that filled steamers returning from war-torn lands. Gladys Peto's artwork takes us on a husband hunting expedition, shedding light on how women sought companionship after years of separation due to war. These encounters marked another aspect of post-war readjustment for both men and women alike. The transition from khaki to mufti is captured in Moss Bros' 1918 advertisement titled "From Khaki to Mufti. " This visual representation highlights how clothing played a significant role in signaling one's return to civilian life while promoting Moss Bros' fashionable attire for demobilized soldiers. Wilmot Lunt's comical illustration titled "A Facer" humorously depicts unexpected challenges faced by ex-servicemen upon their return home. This lighthearted take reminds us that even amidst hardships, laughter can be found during times of change. William Heath Robinson's thought-provoking cartoon "Reconstruction" reflects on post-war efforts aimed at rebuilding nations devastated by conflict. It serves as a reminder that demobilization was not just about individual transitions but also collective efforts towards reconstruction. George Ranstead's postcard, "Apres la Guerre no.