20 Iconic British World War II Propaganda Posters

6. "Under The 'Red Duster' They Sustain Our Island Fortress" (1939-1946)

An original 1939 Ministry of Information 'Keep Calm and Carry On' poster, left, is seen on display at Christie's auction house in London, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The poster is to be auctioned in 'The London Sale' on Sept. 3 as is expected to realise a pr
Wikipedia/NationalArchives

During the entirety of the Second World War the British government wanted to highlight to the population the key role that was being played by the merchant ships bringing food to the shores via dangerous seas.

The "Red Duster" (or "Red Ensign") was the flag, used from the 17th Century onwards, flown by British Merchant Seamen.

 
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NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.