Women and War Service
The First World War created many new opportunities for women, providing them with a range of roles on the home front and in the armed forces that were previously denied to them. The Government also tried to use an appeal to women to put pressure on their men folk to enlist. Several of the posters shown use this approach.
As the fighting on the various fronts increased the need for women in auxiliary and support roles became crucial and several organisations were created to encourage women to join the effort.
Here you can see some of the posters which were created to encourage women to leave their previous lives and embark on a new range of jobs and activities.
We're looking to You to join our circle!
First World War propaganda poster 'We're looking to You to join our circle! ' published by Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps in 1917. - 1996.100.46 ©McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Greenock.
Patriotic Service for British Women
Patriotic Service for British Women - W.A.A.C. / W.R.N.S. - 1996.100.17 ©McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Greenock.
Scottish Women's Recruiting Rally
First World War propaganda poster for the 'Scottish Women's Recruiting Rally' published by the Scottish Women's Recruiting Rally in 1918. - 1996.100.52 ©McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Greenock.
National Service Women’s Land Army
First World War propaganda poster published by the National Service Women’s Land Army. - 1996.100.47 ©McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Greenock.
Women Urgently Wanted for the WAAC
First World War propaganda poster 'Women Urgently Wanted for the WAAC', published by the Ministry of Labour in 1917/1918. - 1996.100.50 ©McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Greenock.
Women Clerks wanted at once
First World War propaganda poster 'Women Clerks wanted at once', published by the Women's Section, National Service Department. - 1996.100.49 ©McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Greenock.
Women! The Royal Air Force Needs Your Help
First World War propaganda poster 'Women! The Royal Air Force Needs Your Help', published by the Women's Royal Air Force in 1918. - 1996.100.44 ©McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Greenock.
10,000 women wanted for farm work
First World War propaganda poster '10,000 women wanted for farm work', published by National Service. - 1996.100.51 ©McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Greenock.
Free Training for Clerks, Cooks and Waitresses
First World War propaganda poster 'Free Training for Clerks, Cooks and Waitresses', published by Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps in 1918. - 1996.100.55 ©McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Greenock.
Women of Britain Say Go!
First World War propaganda poster 'Women of Britain Say Go!' published by the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee in 1915. - 1996.100.4 © McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Greenock
To the Women of Britain
First World War propaganda poster 'To the Women of Britain', published by the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee in 1915. - 1996.100.31 © McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Greenock
Have You any Women-folk Worth Defending?
First World War propaganda poster 'Have You any Women-folk Worth Defending?', published for use in Ireland in 1915.- 1996.100.33 - © McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Greenock
British Women! the Royal Air Force needs your help
First World War propaganda poster 'British Women! the Royal Air Force needs your help', published by the Women's Royal Air Force in 1918.- 1996.100.45 © McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Greenock
Women Urgently Wanted for the WAAC
First World War propaganda poster 'Women Urgently Wanted for the WAAC', published by the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) in 1918. - 1996.100.53 © McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Greenock
Women's Army Auxiliary Corps
Firs World War propaganda poster for the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, published by the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in 1918. - 1996.100.54 © McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Greenock
For the Glory of Ireland
First World War propaganda poster 'For the Glory of Ireland', printed for use in Ireland in 1915.- 1996.100.166 © McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Greenock
