Drawings by Muirhead Bone

[Skipman]

The Western Front drawings by Muirhead Bone

I have been asked to write a foreword to Mr. Muirhead

Bone's drawings. This I am glad to do, as they illustrate

admirably the daily life of the troops under my command.

The conditions under which we live in France are so

different from those to which people at home are accustomed,

that no pen, however skilful, can explain them without the

aid of the pencil.

The destruction caused by war, the wide areas of devastation,

the vast mechanical agencies essential in war, both for

transport and the offensive, the masses of supplies required,

and the wonderful cheerfulness and indomitable courage of

the soldiers under varying climatic conditions, are worthy

subjects for the artist who aims at recording for all time the

spirit of the age in which he has lived.

It has been said that the portrait and the picture are

invaluable aids to the right reading of history. From this

point of view I welcome, on behalf of the Army that I have

the honour to command, this series of drawings, as a

permanent record in pencil of the duties which our soldiers

have been called upon to perform, and the quality and

manner of its performance.

Gen Sir Douglas Haig

General Headquarters,

November, 1916

Mike