Topic: GW - Propaganda
Propaganda
Using Turkish Troops for Propaganda Purposes 2
Propaganda leaflet dropped by air, late 1917.
To further illustrate the use of Turkish prisoners for British Propaganda purposes, here is another example.
The note basically says: Come on over fellows, I am having a great time being a POW.This picture also demonstrates another issue. The lack of care in presentation of the subject. In this picture, the photographer made a classic error. I am not sure if it was intentional but it stands out like a wart and was sure to be picked up by the viewer.
Bear in mind that the written portion of this propaganda sheet was meant for a confined audience. The bulk of the readers were illiterate and thus the picture was the key source of the information. If the Allies got the picture wrong then the whole effect was destroyed.
This pic is taken in a wonderful bucolic setting to illustrate the luxurious life in an Egyptian POW camp. Flowing vines, comfort, clean clothes and a happy smile. These are all calculated to appeal to the heart strings of the average Mehmet who came from the peasantry. This was wealth beyond his personal belief and it was here for the taking and enjoyment, so long as he surrendered as a POW.
Now for the wart.
Enlargement of the first photograph.
Unfortunately standing close at hand was a British guard. Nothing like a dose of reality to spoil the image. This counters the previous message by saying - regardless of where you are in this camp, we will be watching you very carefully. For the poor Mehmet in the field, this was trading down from the Germans overlords to the British. Not much of a choice then.
There is little doubt that this sheet would have had any effect whatsoever except to raise the cynical smirk and then be used as toilet paper.
Further Reading:
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1919
Citation: The Great War, Propaganda, Using Turkish Troops for Propaganda Purposes 2
