20 Iconic British World War II Propaganda Posters

17. "The Telephonist: Be Brief - A War Call May Be Waiting" (1943-1945)

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

With Britain's telephone system still using switchboard operators during World War II, every single unnecessary phonecall that was made could in theory have delayed an urgent war message getting through.

This poster was one in a series encouraging people to be quick when they phoned their friends and relatives.

 
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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.