1940 WW2 KP Duty Humor
1930-1945 WWII comic postcard titled “My Day on K.P.” The card pokes fun at everyday life in military camps. K.P. (Kitchen Patrol) duty during World War II was a significant and often dreaded part of military life, serving several essential functions beyond just hygiene. It was a nearly universal experience for junior enlisted personnel, typically lasting a full, arduous day and sometimes assigned as a minor punishment.
The postcard shows a full day of kitchen duty using humorous captions. Scenes include waking up on a military cot and washing stacks of dishes. Others show hauling food, carrying out trash, and sweeping mess hall floors. The final scene shows the soldier exhausted and going to sleep. The joke comes from describing hard labor as pleasant activities.
This postcard was produced during the 1940s linen postcard era. It reflects daily camp life rather than combat. K.P. duty was essential to feeding large numbers of soldiers. The card illustrates a soldier's "day" from getting up to retiring, with the labor-intensive activities highlighted by the text labels, which comically misrepresent the actual hard work. The work was physically demanding and often lasted all day.
K.P. duty also created shared experiences. Soldiers worked side by side in one of the least glamorous roles in camp. Many veterans later remembered these days with humor. Coming from the Great Depression era, soldiers often appreciated the consistent quality food offered in mess halls, a stark contrast to field rations like K and C Rations.
Published by MWM Color-Litho Postcards, also known as Midwest Map Co., Aurora, Missouri. Issued as part of the Army Comic Series Bursheen, number AC116.
The illustrations humorously depict a soldier's various chores throughout the day using euphemisms:
I GET UP: Waking up in a military-style cot.
BUBBLE DANCE: Washing a large stack of dishes.
CHAUFFERING: Pushing a wheelbarrow full of "potatoes" (likely for peeling).
I GO FOR A STROLL: Carrying out a heavy trash can.
SHAMPOO AND MASSAGE: Sweeping and mopping the floor.
I RETIRE: Going to sleep, exhausted.
This postcard captures the essence of American pride and history, often associated with the WWII era and military camp life. This would look great framed or make an excellent addition to any collection.
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