An old soldier runs alongside the King’s carriage at the Epsom Derby in 1920 hoping for some money, but all he gets is indifference. Found by Davenant
This photograph is a glimpse into the crisis of disabled and permanently injured servicemen in the aftermath of the First World War. In addition to millions killed outright, physical and mental injuries inflicted much suffering for years after. There was little relief in place for them, in the United Kingdom a private charity was established to raise funds to assist disabled servicemen into work. Which seems noble, but an open aim of the charity was to argue against state support systems. They made a film in 1918 to promote their work, called Broken in the Wars.
The film is an early example of a docudrama, using actors to portray people in conditions as close to reality as possible. Until the Labour MP shows up anyway. When I see the photo up top shared online, I see some incredulity over it, since the man in the photo is wearing a suit. I don't get the issue, it's clearly old and well-worn. It reminds me of the disgusting attitude directed against rough sleepers who have some money on their person. I guess we haven't changed as much as we'd like.
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