Towards the end of the First World War, the publishing company of Harrison and Jehring published a short series of photo-pamphlets on various aspects of the British war effort. Intended as morale boosters, each pamphlet conveyed the supreme level of sacrifice and resolute commitment by British citizens. The cover art mimicked the simple yet striking characteristics of many posters produced during the war era, while the inside provided numerous on-location photographs, arranged like magazine collages or vignettes. One pamphlet entitled, Carry On: British Women’s Work in War-time, is particularly intriguing. The use of the term “carry on” became more notable in WWII, as in the motivational slogan “Keep Calm and Carry On”, but it really had its origin in WWI as a nod to the British steadfast notion of carrying on business as usual, even amidst conflict and doubt. This pamphlet also illustrates the significant contributions women provided in the war effort, pushing the limits of traditional gender roles and ushering in the modern woman. As the war was winding down, Parliament passed an initial act granting the vote to women.
But it is not in munition work alone that the face of British industry has been transformed by the extension of women labour. As post-women and police, as bakers and farm workers, as motor drivers and ‘bus conductors— in almost every occupation of which the mind can think — British women are now cheerfully ” carrying on ” while their men-folk are away. In her hour of greatest need Britain has called to her daughters. She has not called in vain. By their industry, their efforts and their heroic sacrifice, the women of Britain have saved their country and saved the world.
In another pamphlet, German prisoners in Great Britain, the publisher highlights the humane and considerate accommodations afforded to the captured enemy.
They illustrate nearly every aspect of life in the camps, and show that the excellence of the conditions under which the prisoners live are in striking contrast with the regime which obtains in many of the prisoners’ camps in Germany. It is only necessary to recall the horrors of a Wittenberg or a Gardelegen to appreciate the admirable organisation of the prisoners’ camps in Great Britain.
munitions instructions
women taking on a range of jobs in the war effort
German prisoners enjoying arts and crafts at camp
African campaign
signaling stations
- Description:
- The sentinel of the seas :the tireless vigil of the British Navy. London : Harrison, Jehring, [1917?].
- Persistent Link:
- http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:FHCL:3204724
- Repository:
- Widener Library
- Institution:
- Harvard University
- Description:
- Behind the lines :building the road to victory. London : Harrison, Jehring, [1917?].
- Persistent Link:
- http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:FHCL:3204688
- Repository:
- Widener Library
- Institution:
- Harvard University
- Description:
- Carry on :British women’s work in war time. London : Harrison, Jehring, [1917?].
- Persistent Link:
- http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:FHCL:3204683
- Repository:
- Widener Library
- Institution:
- Harvard University
- Description:
- Through swamp and forest :the British campaigns in Africa. London : Harrison, Jehring, [1917?].
- Persistent Link:
- http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:FHCL:3204684
- Repository:
- Widener Library
- Institution:
- Harvard University
- Description:
- German prisoners in Great Britain. London : Harrison, Jehring, [1916?].
- Persistent Link:
- http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:FHCL:3204702
- Repository:
- Widener Library
- Institution:
- Harvard University
