'The Empire Needs Men!', 1915

Colour photolithographic recruiting poster, after Arthur Wardle, published by the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee as poster No. 58, printed by Straker Brothers Limited, London.

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. 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.

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 World War One.