Leaders on the Battlefield
![Basano [after] - He did his Duty - Will You do Yours?](images/s0972.jpg)
Basano [after]
He did his Duty - Will You do Yours?
1914, PST 0972
A M Cay
Es wird das Jahr Stark und Scharf Hergehn...
[The Year will be Taxing and Bitter…]
1918, PST 12314
First World War propaganda often sought to revitalise the presence of those who had overseen past battles. The words or deeds of historical military leaders were often considered just as effective or emotive as those in the present.
The British poster depicts Lord Frederick Sleigh Roberts of Kandahar (1832-1914). A figure whose illustrious military career began by winning the Victoria Cross during the Indian Mutiny of 1857-58, and who later served in the Second Afghan War and the Boer War. He eventually became the last Commander-in-Chief of the British Army from 1901-05, and was known affectionately as 'Bobs' after Rudyard Kipling’s poem about him.
The respect with which Roberts was remembered made him a fitting choice of a more recent historical figure who could inspire potential recruits. The poster’s title, with its reference to duty, implies that the honour of every British man lies in following the example set by Roberts. There is an implication that if greater men than you have dedicated themselves to defending the Empire, then so should you.
AM Cay’s poster portrays Frederick II, King of Prussia (1712-1786), a figure of great historical importance to the Germans. Kaiser Wilhelm II undoubtedly saw many of his own aims in Frederick’s reign.
Frederick II devoted much of his reign to strengthening the Prussian state, through expansion and reform. He also led the Prussian forces in various wars, not only as king but as a gifted military commander. During the Seven Years War, Frederick’s military genius not only saved his country, but forged Prussia into a stronger nation.
The success of Prussian expansion under Frederick perhaps offered further justification to the Germans of their campaign. Germany was fulfilling its historical legacy in attempting to create the most powerful nation in Europe, achieved through military might.
Cay's poster was produced towards the end of the war. The text quotes Frederick stating in 1757, the year of one of his greatest victories, that “The year will be taxing and bitter – but we have to keep our chins up and everyone who honours and loves the Fatherland has to stake everything on it”. Words that were equally applicable to the desperate situation facing Gemany by 1918, due to the severe shortages of resources and food. It was hoped that once more such words could lift the spirits of the German nation.
