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British Naval Heroes - Nelson and Wellington

William J Franks - England Expects

William J Franks
England Expects
1918, PST 10363

William J Franks - Up Civilians

William J Franks
Up Civilians
1918, PST 7900

William Franks' posters were aimed at a more educated audience, relying on the viewer's knowledge of not just the deeds of both Wellington and Nelson, but also their words.

"England expects that every man will do his duty". These were the words spoken by Lord Nelson as he sought to inspire his squadron before the Battle of Trafalgar. Under Nelson's leadership, from 1794 to 1805, the British Navy had proven its supremacy over the French. His most famous engagement, at Cape Trafalgar in 1805, saved Britain from threat of invasion by Napoleon, although it would be his last. Nelson was hit by a French sniper's bullet and died on the opening day of the battle.

Germany's technological developments, such as its Zeppelin airships, meant that the island nation of Britain felt at real risk of being attacked at home. Britain was now faced with an imminent threat of foreign invasion, but remembering how past figures fighting on behalf of Britain had previously overcome such danger could help ease public fears.

The title 'Up Civilians' recalls Wellington's "Up guards and at 'em!", spoken on the field of Waterloo. Wellington became leader of the allied troops in 1815 and, along with the help of Prussia, he defeated Napoleon at Waterloo the same year, thus bringing Napoleon's reign to an end. The allegiances may have differed by 1914, but such potent historical references assured that the sentiments had not.


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"He Did His Duty – Will You Do Yours?"
The use of historical references in the posters of the First World War