Lionheart
Recruiting poster ‘THE EMPIRE NEEDS MEN!’ c1915. NAM 2005-11-219
Defending the lion’s share
Formation badge of the West Scotland District, Scottish Command, 1950. NAM 1984-12-20-55
Lions have obvious traits that make them suitable subjects for a propaganda poster. As ‘King of the Beasts’ the lion is regarded as a fierce predator, a protector of the pride and a symbol of nobility. While it is the lioness that deserves most of the credit for this reputation it is the male lion that remains a national symbol. Since the twelfth century the lion has formed part of the British monarch's coat of arms. Today both the English and Scottish football teams have lions on their shirts. This poster shows the ‘old lion’ of Britain surrounded by the ‘young lions’ of the Empire - Australia, Canada, India and New Zealand. Thousands of men and women from these countries volunteered to fight Britain’s enemies during the First World War (1914-18).
Propaganda posters played an important role in encouraging people to support the war. In 1914 Britain had a small professional army. As the war progressed more men were needed. Recruitment officers were sent to towns, cities, factories and clubs. Propaganda posters were put up all over the country to persuade men to enlist. Women were also recruited for munitions work and nursing. As well as patriotic messages, the posters often depicted images of women and children who needed protection. Others showed examples of alleged German atrocities.
