Date: 1940s
Size: 15 x 20 inches
Artist: Anonymous
About The Poster: During WWII, not only did posters continue to play their important role as vectors of motivation and patriotic fervour. They also appealled "to darker emotions such as anger at the human cost of war. The appeal of posters also lies in the use of familiar images and expressions. Graphic artists combined their skill with advertising copywriters to sway public opinion and unite people in support of the war effort. The posters’ effectiveness arises from complex designs of words and symbols to communicate, invite action and build consensus." (Source : Australian National Wartime Museum, Patriotism, Persuasion, Propaganda, American War Posters).
Want more information on the Allied leaders? Happy to help: "Leopold III of Belgium reigned as King of the Belgians from 1934 until 1951. Prior to the war Leopold had made extensive preparations against such an invasion of his country. After Belgium's surrender Leopold stayed to face the invaders, while his entire government had fled to Great Britain but, although he rejected cooperation with the German occupiers he also refused to actively resist many of their policies. He was held under house-arrest in Belgium for much of the war. Because the refusal to follow the orders of his government violated the Constitution, he was declared "unable to rule" and the issue sparked a post-war political crisis.
Hubert Pierlot was the prime minister of Belgium from 1939 until 1945. Pierlot became the leader of the government during the Phoney War until the German invasion. Pierlot fled to Britain where he led the Belgian government in exile and presided over the formation of the Free Belgian forces.Despite his conservative politics, Pierlot denounced the surrender of Leopold III and officially suspended his reign in 1940 by invoking a clause in the Belgian Constitution. The disagreement created a lasting animosity between the Royalist faction in Belgium and the exiled government in London.
Pierre Ryckmans was Governor-General of Belgium's principal African colony, the Belgian Congo, for the duration of the war. Along with the Minister of the Colonies, Albert de Vleeschauwer, Ryckmans brought the Congo into the war on the Allied side, amid worries that the colony might follow the lead of Leopold III in Belgium and attempt to remain neutral. During Ryckmans' period in office, Congolese troops were sent to support British forces in East Africa and the Congo made a substantial economic contribution to the Allied war effort.
Victor van Strydonck de Burkel was a general of the Belgian Army, who commanded the 1st Military Zone during the invasion of Belgium. After Belgium's surrender in 1940, he became the Commander of Belgian forces in Great Britain, and presided over the formation of the Free Belgian force. After the liberation of Belgium he became the Chief of the Belgian Military Mission to Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force. (Wikipedia)
Rare and ready to frame. From a private collection. Please see photos.