| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ARTV00150 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | sheet: 22.8 x 29.8 cm |
| Object type | Poster |
| Physical description | chromolithograph on cardboard |
| Maker |
Templeton, P S Queensland Public Service A J Cumming, Government Printer |
| Place made | Australia: Queensland |
| Date made | 1915 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Assisting Queensland's patriotic day
Description
This early recruitment poster published by the Queensland government is a direct reference to Australia's involvement in the Dardanelles campaign. A kangaroo, dressed in the uniform of an Australian private soldier, his rifle with a Turkish fez impaled on the bayonet. He also holds the Union Jack flag as a symbol of Australia's allegiance to the Commonwealth.
Like other Queensland-based recruiting posters by Templeton, this poster represents Australia as a kangaroo. The animal was employed in both world wars not only in posters, but as a mascot in shop displays urging eligibles to 'Hop to it'. The men of one 1914-18 New South Wales recruiting march in fact called themselves 'The Kangaroos'.