Summary

Note: This object includes a derogatory slur and depiction of a particular cultural group. Such depictions are not condoned by Museums Victoria which considers them to be racist. Historical distance and context do not excuse or erase this fact.

Large World War I recruitment poster, titled 'Always Huns', drawing a parallel between a 'hun' in the year AD 451, with wild hair, a shaggy coat, a shield and a menacing yell, and a German soldier in 1915, with a wild moustache, menacing eyes and a spiked helmet. It pleads with the viewer to 'protect our women and children', and to join the Australian Army.

It was printed by W.A. Gullick, Government Printer, Sydney. It may have been commissioned by either the government of New South Wales or the Federal Government.

Physical Description

Large poster with bold inscription, with pale mauve background, printed on cream-coloured paper. Features an exaggerated painted image of two figures (head and shoulders only) - one supposed to depict a 'hun' in the year AD 451, with wild hair, a shaggy coat, a shield and a menacing yell; the other a German soldier in 1915, with a wild moustache, menacing eyes and a spiked helmet. Border of thin blue line; cream edges. Poster had been adhered onto foam-core backing.

More Information