'The 20 Spasms' comic postcard

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c. 1915

Overview

WWI era comic postcard entitled 'The 20 Spasms of a soldier's life on service: To the titles of well-known songs and parodies'. There are silhouettes of soldiers in three of the corners.
In the top left corner is a soldier carrying his pack and equipment. He is holding a swagger stick and smoking a cigarette. The title beneath him reads "Cheero".
In the top right corner is a soldier smoking a pipe. He is carrying a German pickelhaube helmet. The title beneath him reads "Souvenirs".
In the lower right corner is a wounded soldier walking with the aid of crutches. He is smokng a cigarette. The title beneath him reads "Nahpoo Fini".
Taken as a group, they show the soldier setting off cheerfully, gathering war souvenirs after engaging with the enemy and then being wounded - his war is over.
There is a list of 20 activities relating to miilitary service. Each has the title of a well known song next to it.
The card is cream coloured with dark brown writing and illustrations.

There is an inscription on the reverse.

Historical information

The word 'B'hoys' was interchangeable with 'Knuts"' as a term used to describe oneself and one's friends as carefree men about town with a bit of swagger. Both terms were popular in Edwardian times.

'Micky [sic] Doolan" refers to an Irish Immigrant or Roman Catholic.

'Nahpoo' is used to indicate that something is finished, incapacitated, dead, all gone, non-existent or that the answer is no.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00216

Item type

Collectibles

Ephemera

Postcards

Themes

Social History
War and Conflict
War and Conflict > World War 1

Material

Card

Ink

Width

89 mm

Height or length

139 mm

Inscriptions and markings

'THE 20 SPASMS
OF A
SOLDIER'S LIFE
ON
SERVICE"

"To the Titles of Well-
known Songs and Parodies."

"Cheero" "Souvenirs"

"In Civies - "Row me on the river, Romeo."
The Call - "Keep the Home Fires Burning."
At Any Old Camp - "Somewhere a voice is 'Bawling'"
Embarkation - "Say, Au Revoir, but not good-by-ee."
Active Service - " It's a Long, Long wat to Tipperary."
Ten Day's Leave - "Hello, Hello, who's your Lady Friend."
In the Front Line - "In my Little Wet Home in the Trench."
5 Minutes to go - " want to see my Dear Old Home Again."
Over the Top - "Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue."
"Stopped One" - "Take Me Back to Dear Old Blighty."
Dressing Station - "There's a long, long Trail A-winding."
At the Base - "For this is the End of a Perfect Day."
On Board - "The Ship that's Bound for Blighty."
Landing - "Here we are, Here we are, Here we
are Again."
Hospital - "It's nice to get up in the Morning." but
Sick Leave - "There's an Old Fashioned Cottage."
Last Day of Leave - "Just Another Little Drink."
Con. Camp. -"Sitting alone in the Y.M.C.A."
Medical Board - "Waiting to Hear the Verdict."
Fit Again - "Comrades, Comrades, ever since we
were Boys."