---
title: If, after Rudyard Kipling (savings group verse)
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/uk-if-after-rudyard-kipling-savings-group-1939/
description: A printed verse parodies Kipling's 'If' to urge factory workers to join a savings group, raise their weekly contribution and hold their Savings
section: Collection
---

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3. If, after Rudyard Kipling (savings group verse)

[![If, after Rudyard Kipling, 1939 UK poster: A printed verse parodies Kipling's 'If' to urge factory workers to join a savings](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/uk-if-after-rudyard-kipling-savings-group-1939.jpg)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/uk-if-after-rudyard-kipling-savings-group-1939.jpg)

# If, after Rudyard Kipling (savings group verse)

A printed verse parodies Kipling's 'If' to urge factory workers to join a savings group, raise their weekly contribution and hold their Savings Certificates until the war is won. Kipling's famous poem is borrowed as the frame (transfer), and the closing 'I know you can, my son' casts the saver in its role.

## Propaganda techniques used in this poster

[Transfer](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/transfer/)

## Text on the object

Original (English) · read from the image, not independently checked

```
IF
AFTER RUDYARD KIPLING

IF you can join the Group whilst fellow workers
Are hanging back and leaving it to you —

IF you can pay your sub. and show the shirkers
You're out to beat "Old Nasty" and his crew —

IF you can urge them to the resolution
To sign the form and undertake their share —

IF you can raise your weekly contribution,
Another sixpence here, a sixpence there —

IF you can watch your savings ever growing
With more Certificates at fifteen bob,

And watching them, can feel a pride at knowing
They go to help Old England do her job —

IF you can keep your Book and all that's in it,
Nor seek repayment till the fight is won,

PEACE SHALL BE YOURS, FOR YOU WILL HELP TO WIN IT —
And what is more, I know you CAN, my son !

A. L. S.

W.F.P. 139 COMPOSED BY THE HON. SECRETARY OF THE SAVINGS GROUP IN AN AIRCRAFT FACTORY AND ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL SAVINGS COMMITTEE, LONDON  51-8925
```

[← 'I Need Your Waste Rubber' (British salvage poster)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/uk-i-need-your-waste-rubber-1939/) [If You Are Suffering from Scabies →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/uk-if-you-are-suffering-from-scabies-1939/)

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