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British Posters Of The First World War - Signed copy

“Iconic and memorable... beautifully crafted.” (Britain at War magazine)

During the First World War the authorities emulated the simple slogans and strong graphic imagery of advertising posters to create a form of mass communication that was easily and instantly understood by the British public, in particular the mostly illiterate working class who did more than their share to feed the machinery of war.

'British Posters Of WWI', this is what's inside

For the most part the posters were calls to action, starting with the initial period of voluntary enlistment and leading on to conscription. Psychologically they worked on several levels, appealing to a sense of duty or tapping into feelings of guilt. Patriotic fervour was heightened by the appearance of the Union Jack, the King and, most enduringly perhaps, the iconic image of Lord Kitchener.

In addition, propaganda posters heaped on the pressure with scenes of German atrocities, such as the sinking of the Lusitania and the spectre of Zeppelin raiders over England. Those not directly involved in the fighting were also urged to do their part; women in particular either by sending their men to the front or by working in the munitions factories or on the land.

Even children had a part to play – ‘Daddy, what did YOU do in the Great War?’ Money for the war effort is another recurring theme, with war savings and bonds, and countless charities appealing for funds to care for the wounded and the war orphans.

'British Posters Of The First World War' is fully illustrated throughout

Author: John Christopher (signed)
Publisher: Amberley Publishing 2015
ISBN: 9781445655260
Format: Softback, 192 pages
Size: 248 x 172 mm
Condition: New

Part of the Droids Books Collection

Organisation Todt - From Autobahns to the Atlantic Wall - Signed copy

Based on a confidential wartime report, issued by the British Government in March 1945, this in-depth dossier details the inner workings of Organisation Todt, which not only built the Reichsautobahns, but also Germany's Siegfried Line and the Atlantic Wall. Founded by the charismatic Fritz Todt, the OT was responsible for the construction of all of the major military works across Europe - from the Siegfried Line and Atlantic Wall, to the U-Boat pens and V1 and V2 weapon sites.

What to expect from 'Building the Third Reich - Organisation Todt'

When Fritz Todt died in a flying accident in 1942 he was succeeded by Hitler's chief architect, Albert Speer, who was also appointed as Reich Minister of Armaments and War Production. Although the Organisation Todt was not a military organization as such, it literally underpinned the Nazis' stranglehold on the occupied territories.

Not just through the fortifications but also through the systematic and highly controversial use of enforced labour drawn from the populations of the vanquished countries. At its peak the Organisation Todt consisted of a force of almost two million men and women, and it is through the depth of detail revealed in this handbook that we discover the largely untold human story.

'Organisation Todt - From Autobahns to the Atlantic Wall' in detail

Editor: John Christopher (signed)
Publisher: Amberley Publishing 2015
ISBN: 9781445638560
Format: Softback, 278 pages
Size: 248 x 172 mm
Condition: New

Part of the Droids Books Collection

Balloons At War - Gasbags, Flying Bombs & Cold War Secrets - Signed

"I hope these new mechanic meteors will prove only playthings ... and not be converted into new engines of destruction to the human race." (Horace Walpole, 1785)."

Walpole's words prove to be prophetic. Even before a balloon had left the ground, Joseph Montgolfier had seen a potential use for his new invention in attacking the English at Gibraltar.

What's inside 'Balloons At War'

The first 'air force' was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte. The American Civil, Franco-Prussian and First World Wars saw extensive use of balloons, but it was during the Second World War that barrage balloons helped prevent incursions by enemy aircraft and new, ingenious uses were found for balloons, including dropping bombs (by the Japanese against the USA), destroying enemy aircraft, and in many clandestine operations.

'Balloons At War' - The Details

Author: John Christopher (signed)
Publisher: History Press 2004
ISBN: 9780752429953
Format: Softback 224 pages
Size: 247 x 172 mm
Condition: New

Part of the Droids Books Collection

Lindberg 1:72 Heinkel He-162 Construction Model Kit

Construction plastic kit from the US manufacturer’s WWII Air Power series, the Luftwaffe’s He-162 jet-engined interceptor.  1:72 scale in original sealed box.

Short History of the Lindberg Heinkel He-162

This was one of the last ditch secret weapons designed in haste to tackle the Allied bombers in WW2. The simple jets were mostly constructed of wood and built in secret factories underground.

Corgi Classics box dimensions

26 x 18 x 5.5 cm

Part of the Droids Toys & Collectables Range