Time for some seasonal greetings from the front. The traditional Christmas message of charity, reconciliation, and peace on earth now ensured through violence and exploding Christmas puddings.
These first are from Fergus Mackain – an advertising illustrator who grew up in Canada and the USA. In 1915 – leaving his wife and children – he worked his passage across the Atlantic on a horse transport – the SS Lancastrian – in order to enlist. He arrived in London in October 1915 and signed with the 30th Royal Fusiliers – the reserve unit the Sportsman’s battalion.
Only those used to outdoor sport, who are thoroughly sound and fit, need apply.
After training Private Fergus Mackain was sent to replace losses in the 23rd battalion in France in June 1916.
He was almost immediately thrown into the maelstrom of the Somme where he was wounded at the battle of Delville Wood in late July. He returned to the battalion in November but was again hospitalized for illness in the spring of 1917.
It was after he had been transferred to the Army Service Corps that he began to produce his postcard cartoons of his experiences at the front.
The printing firm of Gaultier in Boulogne began publishing them in October 1917. Everyone and everything on the way to the front and home passed though Boulogne. Soldiers bought the cards to send home as greetings and souvenirs.
In London, Mackain may have seen this recruiting poster
Here are some examples of Mackain’s work for Christmas – lighthearted greetings from the front lines to reassure the folks at home that Tommy was keeping cheerful and doing his bit.
Mackain died in 1924 and is buried at Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina.
Here are a few regimental and division cards sent as greeting for Christmas 1917:
Here’s another card with the same theme
Here’s the cover of the Saturday Evening Post for Christmas week 1917.
And one final card for Weihnachten – Christmas Eve – 1917:
Thanks Kate
These are absolutely fantastic! Amazing collection.