N.S.W. Recruiting Campaign - 50,000 men wanted

Australian First World War recruitment poster. Details Australia's pledge of another 50,000 men for Britain and the war, authored by James Howard Catts (1877-1951). Catts was an anti-conscription member of the Federal Parliamentary War Committee and organising secretary of NSW voluntary recruitments from 1915 to 1916. Recruitment posters were prevalent in Australia throughout the First World War. Australia relied solely on voluntary recruits to serve in the AIF. Compulsory military service, or conscription, for eligible men was in force in Australia from 1911, however, these forces were for home defence and could not be used to serve in a war overseas. After the initial enthusiasm of Australian men in 1914, enrolments dropped for numerous reasons.

Full text reads: "Australia has pledged its word to the Imperial Government that a new army of 50,000 men shall be raised and equipped ready for the great Spring Offensive. Kitchener wants Australians because Australians have proved themselves equal to the best troops in the world. This new army of 50,000 men is wanted to help break the lines of the enemy in an important theatre of the war. All eligible young men are invited to join now so that they may go into training at once and become efficient soldiers. They can render no greater service to the country than take part in this special effort to crush the enemies of peace and good government."