Mr. Punch on the Warpath: Humours of the Army, the Navy and the Reserve Forces by - (famous ebook reader TXT) 📗
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TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE.Some pages of this work have been moved from the original sequence to enable the contents to continue without interruption. The page numbering remains unaltered.
PUNCH LIBRARY OF HUMOUR Edited by J. A. HammertonDesigned to provide in a series of volumes, each complete in itself, the cream of our national humour, contributed by the masters of comic draughtsmanship and the leading wits of the age to "Punch," from its beginning in 1841 to the present day
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General. "Mr. de Bridoon, what is the general use of cavalry in modern warfare?"
Mr. de Bridoon. "Well, I suppose to give tone to what would otherwise be a mere vulgar brawl!"
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HUMOURS OF THE ARMY, THE NAVY AND THE RESERVE FORCES
WITH 136 ILLUSTRATIONS
BY
REGINALD CLEAVER, R. CATON WOODVILLE, TOM BROWNE,
L. RAVEN-HILL, C. L. POTT, CHARLES PEARS, E. T. REED,
J. BERNARD PARTRIDGE, G. D. ARMOUR, FRED. PEGRAM,
GEORGE DU MAURIER, PHIL MAY, CHARLES KEENE AND OTHERS.
PUBLISHED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE PROPRIETORS OF "PUNCH"
THE EDUCATIONAL BOOK CO. LTD.
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THE PUNCH LIBRARY OF HUMOUR Twenty-five volumes, crown 8vo. 192 pagesfully illustrated
LIFE IN LONDON
COUNTRY LIFE
IN THE HIGHLANDS
SCOTTISH HUMOUR
IRISH HUMOUR
COCKNEY HUMOUR
IN SOCIETY
AFTER DINNER STORIES
IN BOHEMIA
AT THE PLAY
MR. PUNCH AT HOME
ON THE CONTINONG
RAILWAY BOOK
AT THE SEASIDE
MR. PUNCH AFLOAT
IN THE HUNTING FIELD
MR. PUNCH ON TOUR
WITH ROD AND GUN
MR. PUNCH AWHEEL
BOOK OF SPORTS
GOLF STORIES
IN WIG AND GOWN
ON THE WARPATH
BOOK OF LOVE
WITH THE CHILDREN
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Was there ever protean like Mr. Punch! The little man is a wonder. In so many guises do we encounter him—now as tourist, again as playgoer, as huntsman, as artist, as bohemian, and equally as stay-at-home philistine, on the bench and on the golf-links, ashore and afloat, where not and how not?—that we need be in no wise surprised to find him on the warpath. Is he not the official jester of a warlike people?
Of course it may be suggested that in the present book we do not have what is entirely a record of his achievements on many a well-fought field. There are not many echoes here of real red war, but the mimic battle with its humours is well in evidence. The only recent experience of the real thing leaves Mr. Punch too sore of heart to say much about it. But as we are all believers in the maxim "in time of peace[Pg 6] prepare for war," and as most of our time is peaceful, we are always "preparing"—hence, perhaps, the reason why we are never ready. But there is a deal of humour in the process, and it is for fun we look to Mr. Punch. Nor shall we look vainly here, for in the past Charles Keene found many of his happiest subjects in the humours of military life and volunteering, while to-day Mr. Raven-Hill, himself an enthusiastic volunteer, ably carries on the tradition, and has many brilliant aiders and abettors.
Mr. Punch is, by turns, general, drum major, full private, cavalry man and "kiltie," he is also A. B. when the occasion serves, and would be horse-marine if necessary! At all events he has given the command, and it's "Forward!"
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MR. PUNCH ON THE WARPATHWaterloo up-to-date (a fact.)
Belgian Guide. Ze brave Picton 'e fall in ze arms of victoire——
Facetious Britisher. Where was Lord Roberts?
Guide (not to be done). Lord Robert 'e stand on zis montagne, and 'e cry, "Hoop, Garde, and at zem!"
The report that there are 46,719 total abstainers in the British Army is welcome news, but what grieves recruiting officers is the number of total abstainers from the British Army.
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Curious Military Fact.—The seat of war is always the spot where two forces are standing up to one another.
A Spot to be avoided by Royal Artillerymen.—Gunnersbury.
Advice for Martinets.—Military authorities should consider whether it would not be advisable to abate a little of their solicitude for the tidiness of a regiment, and pay somewhat more attention to its mess.
Among Warriors.
Interested Patron. So I see you lost an arm in the battle.
An Atkins ("back from the Front"). Ay, sir, and my companion here (indicating Atkins No. 2) he lost a leg.
Patron. And your Colonel—in the same battle, eh?
Atkins No. 2. Ah! he was worse off than either of us, sir; he lost his head.
Army Chaplains.—Wouldn't they be all doubly serviceable in time of war if they were all canons?
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Bluejacket (in charge of party of sightseers). "Here Nelson fell."
Old Lady. "An' I don't wonder at it, poor dear. Nasty slippery place! I nearly fell there myself!"
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"THE BLACK WATCH"The Black Watch will go night and day.
The Black Watch can be depended upon in any climate.
The Black Watch always keeps time.
The Black Watch is never out of gear.
The Black Watch wants no "winding up."
The Black Watch can be warranted for any period.
Historian of the War (to Private of the Dublin Fusiliers). Now tell me, my man, what struck you most at the battle of Colenso?
P. of D. F. Begorra, sorr, fwhat shtruck me mosht was the shower of bullets that missed me.
A Mystery from Shoebury.—When does the cannon ball? When the Vickers-Maxim.
"Yes, my dear Lavinia," says Mrs. Ramsbotham, rather annoyed with her niece, "I do know perfectly well what a soldier's 'have-a-snack' is. It is so-called because he carries his lunch in it. No, my dear, I am not so ignorant as you may think."
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Fond Mother (reading letter from only son at the front). "Charlie says our Generals are perfect idiots!"
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FASHIONS FOR BAZAARS (From the Note-book of a Male Impressionist)How to represent the Army.—Long skirt of gauzy material, parasol tied with tricolour ribands, silk blouse with epauletted sleeves and a Crimean medal pinned on to a bunch of flowers. High-heeled shoes. Regimental lev�e scarf worn over the left shoulder. Tiny cocked hat attached to the hair by two long pins and a small silk flag.
How to represent the Navy.—Short skirt decorated with brooch anchors. Garibaldi with naval collar. Bag hanging from waist-belt with silver letters H.M.S. Coquette. Hair built up � la "Belle of New York" surmounted with a small sailor hat decorated with streamers.
Something Military.—The officers of the Blankshire Cavalry possess, individually and collectively, more money than those of any other regiment in His Majesty's service. If this be so—we name no names—these gallant heroes ought to be known as "The Tin Soldiers."
How Effectually to Produce "Silence in the Ranks."—Use the Dum Dum bullets.
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Paid in his own Coin; or, what we should like to see.
Convicted Contractor. "Look here! I can't walk in these boots, and I can't eat this food!"
Warder Punch. "Well, you've got to; it's what you supplied to the troops."
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Orderly Sergeant (to officer). "Beg your pardon, sorr, but 'm wan ration short. Who will I give it to?"
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Old Lady (to member of signalling section, who has just commenced to reply to a message). "Young man, if you think to alarm me by wagging those flags about, you are very much mistaken!"
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THE BEAUTY OF BISLEYThat it takes you away from town in the dog days for a clear fortnight.
That, being farther away from London than Wimbledon, you escape the more easily the attention of those who love tea, flirtation, and strawberries and cream.
That there is plenty to do at the ranges with the rifle, and to see in the neighbourhood on a bicycle.
That the conversation of your comrades is congenial, if slightly "shoppy."
That, after all, it is better to talk all day of scores, than of links or tyres.
That if the life becomes too monotonous, a train can carry you back to Waterloo in forty minutes.
That life under canvas is recommended by the doctors when it is subject to certain favourable climatic conditions.
That, with the power of enjoying your outing to the end, or cutting it short at the beginning, you can yet claim credit for your self-denial and patriotism.
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Mary Anne. "When are they going to start this army reform they talk such a lot about?"
Private Atkins. "Why bless your 'eart, it's all done! Look at our new caps!"
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Private Sweeny (Highland regiment). "Colony bog, is it? Thin bedad! I wish I was back in Tipperary!"
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Troop Sergeant-Major. "It comes to this, captain, 'a mun e'ther hev' a new jacket or knock off one o' my meals!"
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UNIFORMITYScene—Pall Mall. Enter officer in full uniform hurriedly. He is stopped by messenger.
Messenger. Yes, sir?
Officer. I want to see the Commander-in-Chief at once.
Messenger. Very sorry, sir, but that gentleman who has just entered the room is likely to be there for the next three hours. He came here two minutes before your arrival.
Officer. But is a civilian allowed to take precedence of an officer in full uniform?
Messenger. Beg your pardon, sir, but he is not a civilian; but an officer like yourself.
Officer. And yet he is admitted in mufti! Why, here have I had to come up from the country in full rig, being chaffed at the railway station, grinned at by the cabman, and cheered by the crowd!
Messenger. Yes, sir. Very sorry you should have been inconvenienced, sir, especially as it was unnecessary, sir!
Officer. Unnecessary! Why, doesn't the order come into force to-day that all officers who appear in the War Office for any purpose whatsoever must be attired in the proper uniform of their rank and regiment?
Messenger. No, sir. To-morrow, sir, the second of April, is the proper date. To-day, sir, is the first of April.
Officer. And the first of April is surely the most appropriate date! Quite the most appropriate date!
Messenger. Yes, sir!
(Curtain.)The War Office is taking steps to turn its surplus cavalrymen into foot soldiers. We see nothing ridiculous in the idea—as some persons profess to. We already have Mounted Infantry. Now we are to have Dismounted Cavalry.
An Impossible Manœuvre in Autumn.—To be in the March past.
The Best Military Drawing.—Drawing your pay.
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What he will have to become, if recruiting for the navy continues to fall off, and many more new battleships are constructed.
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