Roughneck: WW1 Black Cat Army Mascot
In the tumultuous days of World War I, amidst the clattering of tanks and the roar of battle, there existed an unlikely hero: a black cat named Roughneck.
This feline warrior, with glazing eyes and a battle-scarred demeanor, became the mascot of the American Expeditionary Forcesβ Tank Corps.
But how did a cat find its place among the clanking machines of war? Letβs delve into this fascinating feline tale.
The Birth of the Tank Corps
The Tank Corps emerged as a novel force during World War I. Captain George S. Patton, a name later etched in military history, was the first officer assigned to this unit. Men were recruited starting in 1917, and Brigadier General Samuel D. Rockenback, the chief of the Tank Corps, meticulously organized, trained, and deployed the first American tank units to Europe in 1918.
The Artistic Origins of βTreat ‘Em Rough!β
Behind every iconic image lies a creative mind, and the black cat mascot of the Tank Corps is no exception.
Joseph Cunningham: The Illustrator
In the early months of 1918, Philadelphia cartoonist and Tank Corps member Joseph Cunningham wielded his artistic talents. With ink-stained fingers and a vivid imagination, he crafted the design that would soon become synonymous with the Corps. His black cat, fierce and unyielding, captured the spirit of the tank warriors, a blend of grit, mischief, and determination.
Sgt. Henry E. Clark: The Poster Maker
But Cunninghamβs creation didnβt remain confined to sketchbooks. Sgt. Henry E. Clark, inspired by the catβs fierce visage, transformed it into a recruiting poster. The black cat, claws unsheathed, beckoned young men to join the ranks of the Tank Corps.
The slogan emblazoned across the poster read: βTreat ‘Em Rough!β It was a call to action, a challenge to those who dared to face the mechanized beasts of war.
The Sloganβs Origin
And speaking of slogans, Cunningham himself was credited with originating the Corpsβ battle cry. βTreat ‘Em Rough!βa succinct command that encapsulated the Corpsβ ethos. It wasnβt about gentleness; it was about resilience, tenacity, and the willingness to fight tooth and claw. Cunninghamβs cat embodied this spirit, and the slogan echoed through the trenches.
Rico Tomaso: The Musical Adaptation
As the war raged on, another artist stepped into the spotlight. Rico Tomaso, with a flair for adaptation, took Cunninghamβs design and wove it into the fabric of history.
On the 1918 sheet music cover of βTreat ‘Em Rough,β the black tom-cat lunged at a Pickelhaube-wearing German eagle. Music and art merged a battle hymn set to notes and ink strokes.
The Search for a Feline Mascot
In September 1918, the New York Times carried an intriguing story: the Tank Corps men of New York were on the hunt for a black cat. Why, you ask? Well, their recruiting posters featured a fierce-looking black cat, and the men decided it was only fitting to have a live feline mascot to accompany them. Plus, it would be a delightful attraction at an upcoming benefit event.
The Mechanical Black Cat
Picture this: a tank parked across from the New York Public Library at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street. Perched atop this formidable machine was a mechanical black cat. As the tankβs engine roared, the cat would arch its back, swish its tail, and mimic the firing of a make-believe gun. The crowds loved itβs juxtaposition of war machinery and feline whimsy.
Gustav W. Hufalβs Crayon Sketches
While awaiting potential feline recruits, Gustav W. Hufal, a corps member and artist, took matters into his own hands. He sketched crayon cats on a large board next to the tank. The men had announced theyβd pay $2 for a cat, but only one young boy showed up with a sleek, well-fed black cat. Unfortunately, this cat didnβt fit the billπΏ
Seeking a Black Badass Cat
The Tank Corps had a motto: βTreat ‘Em Rough!β They wanted a cat that embodied this badass spirit: a cat with a disreputable appearance and a disposition to match.
In other words, they sought a feline version of the one featured on their posters. The well-fed cat didnβt quite fit the bill; they needed a battle-hardened counterpart.
Roughneck: The Battle-Scarred Hero
Two days later, their prayers were answered. Enter Roughneck, a battle-scarred black cat with glazing eyes. He perched on the whippet turret, claws bared, as 1,000 βTreat ‘Em Rough boysβ marched up Fifth Avenue.
When the men saw Roughneck, they recognized their own and greeted him with cheers. In return, Roughneck crouched, hair bristling, and spat back at the outfit in a true feline salute.
And so, Roughneck became the living embodiment of the Tank Corpsβ spirit. He rode into battleβmetaphorically, of course bringing a touch of mischief and magic to the grim realities of war. His legend lives on, reminding us that even in the darkest times, a black cat can be a beacon of hope and camaraderie.
Next time you see a black cat, remember Roughneck, the unsung hero who prowled alongside tanks, defying convention, and leaving paw prints on historyβs canvas.
Note: The events described here are based on historical accounts and a dash of whimsy.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
Remember to pause and give thanks – to all the fallen heroes, not just today but always.
Love, Layla Odin and Otto
P.S. If you need any free Memorial Day cat, art, check out some from our archive like Cat’s Meow of Memorial Day
And a bonus for my black crew at @blackcatsofig
11 Comments
messymimi's meanderings
That’s a fabulous story! I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day and thank you for linking up with Feline Friday.
meowmeowmans
This was so interesting! Roughneck sounds like one brave and amazing cat!
Layla Wilde
thanks, glad you enjoyed it. happy memorial day!
Memories of Eric and Flynn
I hadn’t heard of Riughneck and that was very interesting, thank you.
Layla Wilde
Thanks. Maybe because it’s American?
Brian's Home ~ Forever
Haooray for the amazing Roughneck!
Layla Wilde
9
Ellen J Pilch
Very interesting post. Have a nice weekend.
Layla Wilde
Glad you enjoyed it! He really was something! Happy Memorial Day!
Amy Harlib
I did not know this WW l story at all! Thanks for the timely Memorial Weekend information!
Cats, especially black cats, are eternally inspiring!
Layla Wilde
Thanks so much! He really was something! Happy Memorial Day!