“The Mother’s Pet” from “Fun” (1878)

The Mother’s Pet

John Gordon Thomson

Mrs. Dizzy:— “Did he get himself into a nasty mess? And did they say unpleasant things about him? Never mind, my dear, here are some more soldiers to play with.”

Fun (19 March 1879)

Courtesy of the Suzy Covey Comic Book Collection in the George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida.

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Frederic Augustus Thesiger, 2nd Baron Chelmsford

Chelmsford, whom Thomson depicts as a pathetic knock-kneed boy playing soldier, commanded the troops during the Anglo-Zulu war who suffered a major defeat at the Battle of Isandlwana in 1879. Although, using modern artillery and Gatling guns, he won a decisive victory in the following battle, he was relieved of command and never again commanded troops. Chelmsford, who was himself commended for bravery during action in India, seems to have made the same mistake British commanders later did during the Boer War and both badly underestimated the enemy and failed to grasp Zulu strategies. Nonetheless, as a Baron with important connections, he received many military honors.

Last modified 18 June 2019