recto: A glorious brotherhood; The Australian Army; Join up! ; verso: Will you join them?

A fold out poster-pamphlet with text and illustrations on both sides. This poster was part of a recruitment kit compiled by the Australian government, and published by the Director-General of Recruiting, Victoria Barracks, Melbourne. The publicity campaign promoted the Voluntary Enlistment Ballot Scheme (VBES), which was the final recruiting campaign of the war.
The five pamphlets in this series were designed to be folded up for posting and easy distribution, and could be opened out by the recipient to reveal the full pamphlet. Lengthy essays accompanied Lindsay's vivid drawings. Because the war ended shortly after the VBES was launched, most of the pamphlets were never distributed. That is the case with this particular one.
Recto: Will you join them is an image that depicts a woman as a symbol of Australia. She stands with outstretched arms pointing to marching soldiers (bears the printed signature of Norman Lindsay). The text surrounding the woman chronicles the active service of regiments as it implores more men to enlist.
Verso: lower image (horizontal): 'A glorious brotherhood' depicts men in uniform standing around a campfire laughing and talking; upper image (inverted): 'The Australian Army' depicts soldiers from the Australian Army marching in a line (bears the signature of Norman Lindsay); upper right image: 'Join Up! depicts a soldier receiving a medal.

Norman Lindsay (1879-1969) was a painter, draughtsman, illustrator, cartoonist, printmaker, writer and sculptor. He joined the Sydney 'Bulletin' magazine as a staff artist, 1901-09, 1910-23 and 1932-58.