Old Bill

Old Bill was a fictional character created in 1914–15 by cartoonist Bruce Bairnsfather. He was depicted as an elderly, pipe-smoking British "tommy" with a walrus moustache. The character achieved a great deal of popularity during World War I, where he was considered a major morale booster for the British troops. Old Bill and his younger troopmate little Alphie were private infantrymen in the British Expeditionary Force. They were often seen in humorous situations, such as trying to stay warm in the trenches or dealing with the constant threat of enemy fire. One of Old Bill's most famous quotes is, "Well, I'm 'ere, ain't I?" This simple statement perfectly captures the spirit of the character: he is a humble soldier who is simply doing his duty, no matter how difficult it may be. Old Bill was a beloved character by both soldiers and civilians alike. He helped to bring a sense of humor to the war and to remind people that there was still hope, even in the darkest of times.