Subscribe to our newsletter
Be the first to hear about our upcoming exhibitions, events, workshops and news!
Wakefield Museums and Castles
First World War: recruitment posters
Explore a range of First World War recruitment posters. Consider the techniques they used to persuade men to join the armed forces.
Browse a selection of highlights, and download our full resource packs for more:
- First World War: Recruitment posters (PDF)
- First World War: Recruitment posters (accessible word doc)
These resources are for KS3 and KS4.
“It’s our flag. Fight for it. Work for it.”
Text reads: ‘It’s our Flag. Fight for it. Work for it.'
When was it made? 1915
What is its approach? The patriotic symbolism of the Union Flag was and still is well used to rally support. It represents the longevity of the British way of life that was under threat in 1914.
Where was it made? Based on original artwork by Guy Lipscombe (1881-1952) and printed by Henry Jenkinson Ltd., Kirkstall and
London.
Who published the poster? Published by the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, No. 107
What is it? A lithograph poster print
Dimensions: Height 1505mm by width 990mm
“Surely you will fight for your [King] and [Country]”
Text reads: ‘Surely you will fight for your [King] and [Country]. Come along, boys, before it is too late.’
When was it made? 1915
What is its approach? Appealing to a genuine and deep-seated sense of national duty, and using the image of King George V and the British Isles. It adopts a paternal / patronising tone: ‘come along boys’.
Where was it made? Printed by Turner and Dunnett, London and Liverpool
Who published the poster? The Parliamentary Recruiting Committee no. 83
What is it? A lithograph poster print
Dimensions: Height 738mm by width 500mm
“Your country’s call”
Text reads: ‘Your country’s call. Isn’t this worth fighting for? Enlist now.’
When was it made? April 1915
What is its approach? Highlighting the threat to the British way of life. Although most recruits came from industrial and urban towns and cities, this poster draws on the idyllic, green and pleasant land of quiet villages and rolling hills.
Where was it made? Printed by Jowett & Sowry, Leeds
Who published the poster? Published by the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, No. 87
What is it? A lithograph poster print
Dimensions: Height 760mm by width 500mm
“Go! It’s your duty lad.”
Text reads: ‘Go! It’s your duty lad. Join to-day.’
When was it made? June 1915
What is its approach? By June 1915 recruits for the army had fallen and enthusiasm for the war effort was waning. Posters like this one tried to appeal to mothers to put aside 'selfish' reasons and send in their boys. It received criticism for appearing too much like any other advertising campaign and humorous copies depicted the mother selling different products.
Where was it made? Printed by David Allen & Sons Ltd., Harrow
Who published the poster? Published by the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, no. 109
What is it? A lithograph poster print
Dimensions: Height 1025mm by width 1275mm
“Who’s absent? Is it you?”
Text reads: “Who’s absent? Is it you?”
When was it made? September 1915
What is its approach? Mimicking the famous Lord Kitchener image, the embodiment of Great Britain, John Bull points an accusing finger directly at the viewer and questions their loyalty. Behind him a dwindling rank of exhausted soldiers stand before a burning building. They clearly need ‘your’ help! ‘You’ are letting them down!
Where was it made? Printed by Andrew Reid & Co. Ltd, Newcastle
Who published the poster? The Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, poster no. 125
What is it? A lithograph poster print
Dimensions: Height 745mm by width 505mm