Old Bill (comics) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Bill |
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Old Bill
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| First appearance | 1914–1915 |
| Created by | Bruce Bairnsfather |
| Comic strip | Fragments from France |
Old Bill is a funny fictional character created in 1914–15 by the cartoonist Bruce Bairnsfather. Old Bill was shown as an older, pipe-smoking British soldier, often called a "tommy," with a big, bushy moustache that looked like a walrus's.
This character became super popular during World War I. He helped cheer up the British troops and keep their spirits high. Old Bill and his younger friend, little Alphie, were foot soldiers in the British Army.
Many people claimed to be the real person who inspired "Old Bill." But the most likely one was Thomas Henry Rafferty. He was a soldier from Birmingham in Bruce Bairnsfather's own army group. Rafferty was sadly killed in battle in April 1915. A newspaper in 1917 even showed a photo of Rafferty, calling him "Old Bill."
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Old Bill on Stage and Screen
Old Bill was so popular that he appeared in plays and movies!
The Better 'Ole Play
In 1917, a very successful musical play called The Better 'Ole opened in London. It was based on Old Bill and ran for over 800 shows! Arthur Bourchier played Old Bill in this play. It also became popular on Broadway in New York City, where Charles Coburn took on the role of Old Bill.
Because The Better 'Ole was such a hit, a sequel was made. It was called Old Bill, M.P. and opened in London in 1922. This time, Edmund Gwenn played Old Bill, and Bruce Bairnsfather himself even appeared in the show! This play was not a musical.
Old Bill in Movies
Two silent movies were made based on The Better 'Ole. The first was a British film from 1919, starring Charles Rock as Old Bill. The second movie was made in 1926 by Warner Bros.. This film was special because it was one of the first to use the new Vitaphone sound system. Syd Chaplin played Old Bill in this version.
Later, in 1941, a British film called Old Bill and Son updated the story. It showed Old Bill serving with British troops in France during the early part of World War II. He was joined by his son in this adventure.
Old Bill's Lasting Impact
Old Bill became a symbol of British spirit and humor during tough times. His character left a mark on culture in a few interesting ways.
Bill & Alphie's Pub
There's a pub (a place to eat and drink) at the Royal Military College of Canada called Bill & Alphie's. It's named after Bruce Bairnsfather's famous cartoon characters. You can even see sculptures of Bill and Alphie at Yeo Hall at the college.
"Old Bill" and the Police
In London, the slang term "Old Bill" sometimes means the police. One idea for why this is, is that police officers used to have moustaches that looked a lot like Old Bill's!
The "Old Bill" Bus
A special London bus from 1911 was used to carry troops during World War I. After the war, in 1926, it was restored and named "Old Bill." This historic bus is now kept safe at the Imperial War Museum.
The "Ole Bill" Train
A train locomotive, number 661, was named "Ole Bill" in 1919. This was to honor its service overseas during World War I.
