Swat that Jap!

Australian propaganda posters during the Second World War were used to instil anti-Japanese attitudes. Using racial stereotypes and derogatory humour the posters harboured fear and caution amongst Australian society. The top two-thirds of the poster display an acrostic poem with corresponding stick-figure cartoons of an AIF and Japanese soldier. The title is placed on the lower third of the poster along with a caricatured Japanese face. This poster gives instruction on how people can defend themselves against the Japanese encouraging everyday prejudices against the Japanese rather than focusing on the war efforts overseas.

It is likely that Sergeant Francis James Lee produced this poster. Lee enlisted in the field, Queensland on 23 June 1943, serving with the 14th Battalion. He completed several illustrations for the publication 'Salt', a weekly journal published by the Australian Army Education Service. His training as an artist and post-war life are unknown.