Canada, CEF. Two Watercolour on Paper Paintings of a 20th Battalion Soldier, by Pte. Jukes, 1918

A watercolour on paper, featuring a seated soldier holding an infantry rifle with bayonet attached, in uniform bearing a 20th battalion patch, signed “Jukes -8” and titled “ONE OF ‘A’ CO. BOYS RESERVE LINE NEAR ARRAS 1918”, contained between two pressed boards offering a surrounding matte frame, measures 306 mm (w) x 357 mm (h), minor discolouration to matte frame, remains in extremely fine condition. 

A watercolour on paper, featuring a soldier in uniform laying on his front, taking aim through his rifle over the edge of the trench, untitled, signed “Jukes 1918” along bottom right edge, contained between two pressed boards offering a surrounding matte frame, measures 310 mm (w) x 250 mm (h), light staining to sky and several creases present vertically, minor wear elsewhere, remains very fine. 

Reuben Jukes (Jucksch) was a Canadian soldier and artist who served in the First War, and is known for his unique watercolours, presenting soldiers, buildings, and sights from the first hand experience of an individual at war and on the front lines. 

Jukes was born July 5, 1887 in Hanover, Ontario.  Prior to enlisting at the age of 27, he listed his trade as an artist. He joined the 20th Battalion in Toronto on November 10, 1914, with previous service experience in the 31st Regiment. 

He was hospitalized in March 1916 for shell shock and was not discharged until October 16, 1916. He was struck off strength to the 5th Reserve Battalion at Bramshott on January 31, 1917. He returned to the 20th battalion, and active service in May 1917. 

While serving with the 20th battalion overseas, relieving the 20th battalion, he was wounded by shell gas. He was admitted to the No. 56 General Hospital at Etapes on April 25, 1918. The records state he “vomits occasionally, particularly on bending, some headache, stitch in R. breast, some loss of appetite and weakness.” He was evacuated to England and remained hospitalized until July 26th. 

Jukes returned to the 20th battalion in October, 1918, at Thun-Levesque. When the war ended on November 11th, he was in Saint-Symphorien. The advance from La Bouverie resulted in the loss of 1 officer, 11 other ranks killed and 30 wounded. About 10 soldiers were taken prisoner, just before the cease-fire. 

The battalion rested in Mons, France for roughly a week following the Armistice. They then continued the March to the Rhine. 

Jukes was demobilized in May 1919, ultimately returning to Canada. After the war, he worked in Vaudeville both as a set painter and in various acts. In 1924, he married Amelia Louisa Hagen. In 1940, he opened his own business painting signs in Kitchener, Ontario. Jukes died in May 1959, at the age of 71, in Kitchener. 

His watercolours have been exhibited in multiple museums and offer a unique first hand account of the front lines, and life as a soldier during the Great War.