Women are Urgently needed to release men for active service

I got all my sisters and me.

This is a great, large poster.  It measures 30" x 40".  It shows the many different ways women can participate in the war effort, either in uniform, in industry, in civil service or in agriculture.  Women are encouraged to apply to the Selective Service Office for more information about how they can help.  Issued by Wartime Information Board, Ottawa.  Printed in Canada.  In the bottom right is a code: WR-IEL.  I can not find any information on line about this poster.

There's a job for YOU in the A.W.A.S.

Nice red background with a blue bottom encouraging women to join the A.W.A.S.  A stamp on the bottom right reads, 'Printed in Australia.' This poster is 19.5" x 25".

Czechoslovakia Will Live Again

Thanks for nothing, Neville.

Over a rich and deep blue background a hand waves a Czech flag.  In the background the word 'Appeasement' is crossed out in red.  In the upper right is the notation P with 42 as a subscript.  The publisher is the Czechoslovak Information Service (New York, N.Y.). The poster is 32" x 24".

CARELESS WORDS may cause DISASTER

Canadian sailor says, "Shhh . . ."

The telltale trail of torpedo bubbles heads toward ships in a convoy.  A sailor alongside the drawing of the unfolding disaster reminds Canadians that talk can have consequences.  Issued by The Director of Public Information, Under Authority of Hon. J.T. Thorson, Minister of National War Services, Ottawa.  Printed in Canada AG-11EL.  There are two identical posters in this collection, each one is 24" x 17".

Shoptalk may be Sabotalk - THE WALLS HAVE EARS

Never put anything in your ear but your elbow.

A giant ear hovers over a factory, reminding Canadian citizens to be careful with their words.  The artist, noted on the lower right, is Morris. I like the design and color scheme of this poster very much.  Issued by the Wartime Information Board, Ottawa.  Printed in Canada.  Design, courtesy Walls Have Ears Organization. 24.5" x 18".

Danke Schon - "Thanks for the Tip-off"

A finderlohn for you!

A sinister looking, smiling German U-Boat captain leans over the side of his U-Boat's conning tower.  In the background, in silhouette, is a sinking ship.  The clear implication is that the Captain used information gathered by spies from people not careful about secrecy.  Issued by the Wartime Information Board - Produced by National Film Board, Ottawa.  Printed in Canada.  Code No. - 7E. 24.5" x 18".

Norway Fights!

A series of posters describing the actions of Norwegians with the Allies services and those Norwegians resisting Nazi occupation at home.

Norway Fights! On land - On Sea - In the Air

Sabotage in Norway Plagues the Nazis!

Norway Resists on the home front.

Norwegian Sailors on the Seven Seas

The U.S. Government published many posters reminding U.S. citizens of the valuable contributions our allies were making, even those with Governments in exile and with their home countries under German occupation.  All the posters are the same size, 22.5" x 17.5".

This is our Strength - Our Forests

The lumberjack is on a lunch break.

Poster of an axe in a tree stump reminding people of the importance of lumber and forest products to Canada's war effort.  Artist (noted in upper right) is Eneleigh. There is another image in the collection by this artist, but I can't find out any resources about him (or her) on-line.  Issued by Wartime Information Board, Produced by National Film Board, Ottawa.  W.I.B. - 10E.

This is our Strength - Electric Power

Always remember to wash your hands.

In this image you can almost feel the power of the water running through those fingers. The poster designed by artist Marian Scott.  It reminds Canadians of how important hydroelectric power is for the war effort and will continue to be to Canada after the war ends.  Issued by Wartime Information Board, Produced by National Film Board, Ottawa.  W.I.B. - 18E. Poster measures 36" x 24".

Your Health is Canada's Strength

See you at Tim Horton's, eh?

This fellow looks like he is straight from a Bob & Doug casting call for the most Canadian looking person on earth. Written across the bottom of this poster is, ;For free information on health and nutrition, write the Department of Pensions and National Health, Ottawa.  Issued by the National Film Board, Ottawa, Printed in Canada, NFB-1E.'

Come on CANADA!

After the war, this was reissued as a deodorant ad.

A soldier, machine gun in his right hand, urges his comrades to follow him.  By artist Hubert Rogers.  Issued by the Wartime Information Board, Ottawa.  Printed in Canada I-8E. This poster is 36" x 24".

LICK THEM over there!

One big step for Canada.

A canadian soldier stands astride the Atlantic, his right foot on Canada and his left stepping forward to a smoke spewing Europe.  In the smoke are swastikas.  He is pointing forward, as is his bayonet.  The island of England is portrayed as firing onto the continent.  Issued By The Director of Public Information, Under Authority of J.T. Thorson, Minister of National War Services, Ottawa.  Printed in Canada UE - 5L. This poster is 36" x 24".

Let's Go . . . CANADA!

Let's Go . . . Canada!

A Canadian soldier, pointing bayonet forward in front of a Canadian flag.  Artist is Eneleigh.  Issued By The Director Of Public Information, Under The Authority of J.T. Thorson, Minister of National War Services, Ottawa.  Printed in Canada - UE-1L & UE-1S. The reason for the double numbering is that there are two of these posters in the collection, one large (36" x 24") and one small (18" x 12").

MEN of VALOR - They fight for you

The Merchant Navy

Lt.-Col. Merritt

Lt-Col. Dollard Menard

Ralph MacLaren Christie, RCAF

Sailors from the Oakville.

"Men of Valor - They fight for you."  This was a series of posters issued by the Wartime Information Board, Ottawa.  These posters highlight the actions of Canadians that go above and beyond the call of duty, earning the individuals portrayed a DSO or a VC.  I am not sure how many there are in total, but there are five included in this collection.   The artist is Hubert Rogers, and all the posters were issued by the Wartime Information Board, Ottawa.  Each poster is 36" x 24".

Attack Attack Attack

Over the top.

The artist commissioned for this work is Ferdinand Warren and the poster is from 1942.  There is a larger size available, but this one is 28” x 22”.  Office of Government Printing: 1942-O-497775.

It's Got To Fit . . . To Do Its Bit!

Grind those gears.

A Canadian poster issued by the Wartime Information Board for the Department of Munitions and Supply.  It was printed in Canada and is also marked with the notation “IE-7”.  There is no year or artist information about this poster that I can find. The poster is 36" x 24".

Give us the Ships, We'll Finish the Subs!

Depth charge away!

This Canadian poster is by Alex Colville. The notation by the signature indicates that it is from 1941.  It was issued by the Wartime Information Board in Ottawa.  It measures 36” x 24”.

I was a victim of CARELESS TALK

A ghostly image of a man above a sunken ship, broken in two, laying at the bottom of the sea.  The artist is Harry Mayerovitch a Montreal artist, architect, and author. It is one of a number of posters Mayerovitch produced during the Second World War, during which he also headed the Wartime Information Board's Graphic Arts Division.  It is published by the Wartime Information Board, Ottawa.  This particular item is quite small (10" x 8") and includes a thread on the top, as if it was designed to be hung on the wall or next to a door. The collection also contains a larger poster (24.5" x 18") of this identical image.

UNITED we are strong / UNITED we will win (2)

Another 21 Flag Salute

This is a duplicate of a poster depicted earlier in this blog.  Please refer to that entry for more information.  This particular copy is a different size (22" x 16") and has a wider white margin.

YOUR SCRAP . . . brought it down

Eject! Eject!

This poster urges people to collect and donate scrap metal for the war effort, and demonstrates how that scrap is used.  The artist is S. Broder.  U.S. Government Printing Office: 1942-O-486746. It is 28" x 20".  There is a very similar poster, with the same wording but with a different image and layout, also printed at about the same time.

Whatever your job may be FIGHT

Artist is Eric Aldwinkle.  Published by the Director of Public Information, Ottawa.  A soldier holds a gun behind a laborer holding a hammer.  A Canadan poster urging people to support the war effort. This poster is 31" x 21".

Doing all you can, brother?

By artist Robert Sloan.  Color poster shows a close-up of a soldier with a bandaged head and a blood-stained khaki uniform. He has light-colored hair and blue eyes. In the background, a barren field lies scattered with broken or abandoned machinery.  US Government Printing Office: 1943-O-502782, measures 28" x 22".

Deliver us from evil

Young girl, crying, a bit dirty and haggard, in front of a swastika, with the reminder to Buy War Bonds across the bottom.  Artist is Harriet Nadeau.  U.S. Government Printing Office: 1943-O-523825, and this poster is 28" x 22".

Every Canadian Must Fight

Standing a bit close, friend?

This Canadian World War 2 poster has a worker standing behind a Canadian soldier with the theme that he who stays home also fights if he works hard. This nice image was printed in Canada and issued by the Director of Public Information. It is 30" x 21.5". The artist is Philip Surrey .

a careless word . . . another cross

A stark white grave marker on brown dirt background with a GI helmet and ammo belt slung across it.  OWI Poster No. 23.  1943-O-501237.  Artist is John Atherton. Large poster, 40" x 28", in fine shape.  This is quite a famous image, and is even in the MoMa collection.

American Labor . . . Producing for Attack

It's off to work I go.

Unfortunately, this poster is torn at some of the fold marks.  However, the colors are still vibrant.  I guess the paper is old and of a different stock than the other posters, as it is noticeably aged and browned. Printing along the bottom is U.S. Government Printing Office 1943 O-541688.  In right lower corner is WFB Poster No. A-40. It is a large poster, measuring 40" x 28".

Still More Production

It looks like the owner of this arm is about to punch someone.

An hand rolls up a sleeve exposing the muscular forearm, as if to get to work.  The sleeve is in the style of the American Flag.  Printed along the bottom is War Production Board A-23.  U.S. Government Printing Office: 1942-O-491591.  The artist may be Peter Phillips, but that is not confirmed.  There is not a lot of information about this poster available. This particular copy is very small, 10" x 7".

Somebody Blabbed. Button Your Lip!

Don't talk about anything.

The artist commissioned for this poster is Albert Dorne.  On a blood red background an outstretched hand lies limply next to a the smoking butt of a rifle.  GPO Jacket No. 451239.  This particular poster appears to have been hung or displayed at some point in the past.  It is more worn at the folds than others in the collection.  Interestingly, it is also notarized.  There is an embossed / raised seal on the lower right corner reading, "Notarial Seal Ramsey County, Minn." The poster is 20" x 14".

Give 'em the stuff to fight with . . .

Studios are hell,

A poster created from a black and white combat photograph by Valentino Sarra (1903 - 1982) showing an American soldier struggling to drag his wounded comrade back to friendly lines. 20" x 14".  GPO Jacket No. 461576.

it's plain horse sense act / think SAFETY

Answers Mr. Ed's question, "What did you do during the war, Daddy?"

This lighthearted poster is a winking horse on a bright yellow background reminding workers to think about safety and reduce accidents.  The seal on the poster reads, 'National Committee For Conservation of Man-Power in War Industries.'  Printed along the bottom is U.S. Government Printing Office: 1942-O-466159. It measures 20" x 14".  The artist is Ekman. I am not sure if it is the same person as Harry Ekman known for his drawings of 'pin up' girls.

Just by Keeping Well YOU can help WIN THIS WAR

An apple a day . . .

"Just by Keeping Well"  This is a poster encouraging Americans to eat healthy, exercise, and take care of themselves.  It lists five steps to a healthy lifestyle, while noting that many doctors are overseas with the Armed Services, so those left at home are very busy. The poster is 20" x 13.5".

For Liberty and Peace on Earth

Merry Christmas!  You'll thank me in 30 years.

"For Liberty and Peace on Earth give War Bonds"  The Liberty Bell floats above a $100 War Bond. Official U. S. Treasury Poster created for Christmas, 1944. This poster has the Liberty Bell hanging from a mantel with holly. Additional bells of paper hang from the mantel, and in the middle of the poster is a $100 War Bond. Message: The best present of all is a War Bond. U.S. Government Printing Office: 1944-O-611278.  Bottom right reads WFD 965-C.  Artist is Lyman Simpson.

The United Nations Fight For Freedom (3)

Forward.  Forever forward.

This is the larger size image of a previous posting. Please refer to the earlier item for more information.  This particular copy is 28" x 20".

Every day you take off -- gives the Axis a break

I hope this guy has a note from his doctor.

Little information is available about this poster. This copy is of the large size, 40" x 28". I must admit it is one of my favorites, and since not much is written about it, I'll add my own commentary. It certainly looks as if our friend is having a wonderful day. Leaning back in his chair, probably listening to the ball game on the radio as he enjoys a cold beer. This looks a lot more relaxing than work. But the cartoon Hitler at the bottom reminds us who the shirking really benefits. Good thing, too, or this poster would increase truancy by a significant amount.  U.S. Government Printing Office: 1943-O-519876.  Poster produced by the War Production Board A-19.

SOMEONE TALKED!

I am pointing at you.

In the dark of night, illuminated only by the reflection of the moon off the water, a sailor slips below the surface of an icy sea. But not before pointing directly at the the person who doomed his voyage and led to his death. This is a very large poster, 40" x 28".  The artist is Frederick Siebel.  The poster is noted as OWI # 18, 1942-O-496733.

A careless word . . . A NEEDLESS SINKING

Row row row your lifeboat.

This is a large poster, 37" x 28".  Printed along the bottom is OWI Poster No. 24.  1942-O-502219.  The poster shows men in a lifeboat in the right lower foreground rowing away from a burning ship in the background.  The artist is Anton Otto Fischer.

Bowl Them Over - More Production

Das raycess.

In this poster, bowling pins assuming the caricatures of Hitler, Tojo, and Mussolini are stuck by a bowling ball labeled 'more production.'  This is a very small poster, about the size of a piece of paper, 10" x 7".  Along the bottom right is U.S. Government Printing Office: 1942-O-469851.

This man is your FRIEND - He fights for FREEDOM

Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi

A smiling Australian soldier in uniform and wearing a slouch hat.  Printed along the bottom is the notation 'GPO Jacket No. 455917'. The poster is 20" x 14".  A web search indicates that the government printed a series of such posters with photos of men from allied nations such as Russian, Dutch, Chinese, English, Canadian, etc.

We French workers warn you . . .

French workers with hands up indicating surrender.  Quelle surprise.

Another classic image by Ben Shahn.  Workers, with hands up, in front of a Vichy, France Decree.  This is also considered an iconic poster, and is in the MoMa collection.  28" x 40".  U.S. Government Printing Office 1942-O-491777.

This is Nazi brutality

A powerful reminder

A grim poster by Ben Shahn.  It relays the horror of Lidice.  Lidice was a Czech mining village that was obliterated by the Nazis in retaliation for the 1942 shooting of a Nazi official by two Czechs. All men of the village were killed in a 10-hour massacre; the women and children were sent to concentration camps. The destruction of Lidice became a symbol for the brutality of Nazi occupation during World War II. This poster is 38" x 28" and is one of the more famous propaganda posters from that period.

Map of Europe published by Tokyo Asahi Shimbun, 1912

Who wants to be friends with Japan?

This map is a bit outside the norm for this collection.  It is a map of Europe published by a Japanese newspaper company in 1912.  The map is coded to demonstrate which countries are allied with Japan, which countries are neutral, and which countries are potential enemies.  The map also notes military installations throughout Europe.

I can only assume that my dad picked up this map when he was stationed in Korea after the war.  It was not stored with the other posters.  

It is in fair condition, with some fraying at the edges and pin marks where it was most likely tacked to a wall.

Request for Comments and Information

If you have found this blog because you are interested in WWII Propaganda Posters, welcome!  I encourage you to share any information you have about any of the posters, or point me to sources on the internet that are useful for finding out more about these wonderful works of art.

Please leave your comment and share your knowledge.

Thanks for reading!

New Storage Method

An upgrade from the paper bag.

The beginning of this blog illustrated the previous storage method utilized for the posters.  This photo demonstrates the poster's new home.  As shown, each poster is now in its own inert plastic sleeve, and the box is an acid free archival box.  The green post-it note is a temporary number holder that corresponds with the index.  I hope this will preserve the posters properly for many years to come.  And the creation of a photo-index will prevent any need to go through the posters, unfold them, or handle them to determine what posters are in the collection and where they are located.

If you tell where he's going . . . He may never get there!

So long, Sailor

A member of the U.S. Navy, duffel of belongings over his shoulder, heads off to war.  This poster from 1943 is 28" x 20" and was drawn by John Falter, USNR.