WWI Animals Gallery

Goodbye Old Man - Soldier and dying horse during WWI

Goodbye Old Man is a striking image of a soldier bidding farewell to his fatally injured horse. Goodbye Old Man was commissioned by the Blue Cross in 1916 to raise money to help horses on active service.
The artist is Fortunino Matania and it is one of his most famous war-time illustrations. Fortunino Matania (1881 - 1963) was born in Naples.
During and after the war, his work adorned many a history book. During the 1st World War Matania mainly worked for the British magazine The Sphere as their star illustrator, usually producing one full page illustration or more per weekly issue.
He was also employed by the British government and commissioned by individual British regiments. He visited the front several times which allowed him to view wartime conditions at first hand and talk with soldiers about their experiences. From sketches and memory he could then finish a painting, often within a few days

© Mary Evans Picture Library

A girl says goodbye to War-bound partner

Sweet Jenny Gray (song lyric) Jenny Gray, tis dawn of day, and we two must part, All your tears, dear, that start find their way to my heart; Dear Old England borrows all its sunshine from you, From your eyes of blue, those pretty eyes, dear, so true. If you know a meaning of a soldier's "Goodbye," Jenny, dear, do not cry, dearie, hush ev'ry sigh; The cannon may thunder, you'll wonder, my dear, But hope will drive out all thoughts of fear Date: circa 1910s

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection