REC Poster #1 Shells of 2 types

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

During the Second World War, hoardings were cleared of most advertising material relating to leisure travel. The holiday resorts on the southern coast were effectively closed because of the threat of invasion, and the railway industry geared up for its essential role as part of the war machine, moving men and material.

Station names were painted out to confuse the enemy in the event of invasion.

By November 1939, the railways were moving extra food supplies, equipment and troops essential for the logistics of conflict. Materials to build the new war factories, for munitions, and troops all had to be carried on the railways.. On some sections, traffic rose by 500%.

The public were uencouraged to spend their holidays at home, as the running of additional trains during the summer months and Bank Holidays were now a thing of the past.Travel for pleasure was discouraged throughout the war.

This poster is fairly typical - obviously a Ministry type of publication with input from the propaganda boys! Artist? A team of civil servants!

Note now, because of circumstances, the move away from art to necessity and austerity.