1-150-633 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

All in the Downs, 1871. Edward Cardwell, Liberal Secretary for War during the period 1868-1874 is on the right facing a stout John Bull. Cardwell had recently been experiencing difficulties with the army, but this cartoon relates to the loss of the 'Agincourt' which had become stranded at Gibraltar. This incident only compounded the recent loss of the 'Megaera', a troop-ship, on its way to Australia. The papers were calling for heads to roll and casting doubt on the condition of Britain's Navy. From Punch, or the London Charivari, August 19, 1871.