Re: Propaganda in London
Horace A Basham (horace@hbasham.ak.planet.gen.nz)
Thu, 13 Jun 1996 22:52:52 -0400
Britain used much propergandar from as early as just before the beginning
of the WW2. Much was made of the press and radio.
To encourage the war effort stories of prominent people were featured in
the papers. For example; Princess Elizabeth, our present Queen, joining the
Auxiiary Territorial Service in 1945. Where she learnt to drive and
maintain army vehicles.
Posters dealing with the black out were put up on billboards and in buses
and trains. drivers were urged to drive not more than 20 miles per hour
telling them they could see better than they could be seen. It also ment
petrol/gas would not be used up so quickly.
The Ministry of Food was very prolific in issuing posters and fliers on
food tips. Wartime recipes using rationed food to the best advantage.
Growing of food. Digging for Victory it was called. Also to save
clothingcoupons for the most urgent needs a 'Make do and Mend' campaign
was launched.
The War Ministry ran recruiting campaigns for civilian soldiers. The
Home Defence Force, to be later know as The Home Guard. ( Dads' Army).
During the blitz. Much was made of lessening the effects on the business
and home life of the population by posters and broadcasts. "Business as
usual" was the theme.
Combating fire bombing. Britain' Fire defence Services and the people were
urged to posters to 'Beat firebomb Fritz' 'Britain Will Not Burn' Training
booklets dealing with incendiary bombs were issued.
In dealing with possible spies. Poster such as "Be like dad keep Mum" 'Mum'
of course was an aphorism for keeping silent. "Careless talk cost Lives".
Something of importants. The campaign for Savins. Buying of War Bonds and
such. This too had the effect of urging the populace to get behinmd the
War effort.
Anything and everything was used to further the war effort. Even
childrens' comics.
I hope this gives you some valuable pointers to life in wartime Britain.
Horace A. Basham
Ex-RAF. Flight Mechanic (engines)..