| Place | Oceania: Australia |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ARTV04972 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | sheet: 76 x 101.4 cm |
| Object type | Poster |
| Physical description | photolithograph on paper |
| Maker |
Unknown A Vaughan Government Photolithographer |
| Place made | Australia: South Australia, Adelaide |
| Date made | 1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Haig's urgent appeal: enlist now!
Description
Australian First World War poster issued by the State Recruiting Committee of South Australia. It features a striking image of a golden sun, stylised in the same manner as the rising sun badge worn by the AIF. The sun is setting into a blue ocean. Inscribed in red on the sun is a quote from Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig, Commander -in -Chief, British Armies in France. Silhouetted in black in the foreground are two warships, a submarine and waves. AFC aeroplanes are depicted in colour, roundels clearly visible, in the upper left and right. The title printed in white is positioned top and bottom. The image and text are framed within a red and white border.
The quote is taken from Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig's renowned Special Order of the Day 11 April 1918. Referred to as his "Backs to the Wall" communiqué the order was issued from his General Headquarters to boost troop morale when the British position seemed desperate during the spring German offensive in Ypres.