Puck, 1879-01-08 · page 5 of 16
Puck — January 8, 1879 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This nine-panel comic satirizes British military leadership during the Afghan War (appears to be 1880s conflict). The caricatured figures represent British commanders, likely including Sir Shere Ali (mentioned in panel 1) and General Gortschakoff, depicted as incompetent military leaders. The satire mocks their strategy through comedic scenarios: soldiers drinking whiskey for courage, commanders stretching themselves before battle as if exercising, and increasingly absurd military tactics. Panel 9 shows "favorite amusement in the British camp"—suggesting the leadership is playing games rather than conducting serious warfare. The overall message criticizes British military bungling and poor strategic decisions in Afghanistan, portraying commanders as foolish rather than competent war leaders.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
PUCK. THE AFGHAN WAR. (From sketches by Pucn's special artist.) 1. Now, Mr. Shere Ali,” said Gortschakoff, ‘hang 2. “See here, you'll have to waylay him on the road 3. Can't you see him? Ah! there lies the wretch. I on to this sword, and go and give that impude.t John to Peshawur. You know very well what to do; but give would punish him myself, but my legs are rather weak, Ball a good thrashing.” it him hot.” and I couldn't get there quick enough.” 4. ‘You mustn't be frightened. Here, take adrink 5, Hush! Wait. He's just stretching himself. Int 6, Shere Ali takes a sly peep, tickles Beaconsfield in of rye whiskey—that'll keep up your courage.” him hard before he wakes, then you'll get through the the stomach, and is convinced that the abominably pow- business at once.” erful _gpalities of Joho Bull's man had not Leen cxag- gerated. Gortschakoff keeps at a safe distance. But Shere Ali screws up his courage to the stick 8. Skedaddles, with Gortschakoff two lengths ahead, 9. Favorite amusement in the British camp. ing point, and just essays one little blow, and then— | who makes tracks for St. Petersburgh. LU comicbooks.com