---
title: Seeing It Through (Policeman)
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/uk-seeing-it-through-policeman-1944/
description: 'A tribute poster issued under the London Transport roundel: a London policeman in helmet and uniform in three-quarter portrait, with a verse of thanks.'
section: Collection
---

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3. Seeing It Through (Policeman)

[![Seeing It Through, 1944 UK poster: A tribute poster issued under the London Transport roundel](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/uk-seeing-it-through-policeman-1944.jpg)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/uk-seeing-it-through-policeman-1944.jpg)

# Seeing It Through (Policeman)

A tribute poster issued under the London Transport roundel: a London policeman in helmet and uniform in three-quarter portrait, with a verse of thanks. The tell for glittering generalities is the verse's praise terms ('bravely', 'master of a trying trade', 'you carry on'), which are virtue words with no figures or stated task, and the poster asks for no action beyond appreciation. It is a morale and gratitude piece for the home front, not a call to act.

## Propaganda techniques used in this poster

[Glittering generalities](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/glittering-generalities/)

## Text on the object

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

```
SEEING IT THROUGH

Thank you, policeman.  What would London do
Without her guides, and guardians, in blue?
You keep the peace, your temper, and your wits,
A dear by day, a bulwark in the blitz.

Half-way between a mother and a god,
You rule the roaring traffic with a nod:
But still have time and patience to explain
The way to Number Ninety, Lambeth Lane.

More than us all, you show the British way,
Strength without shouting, drill without display:
Pinned to your post, and longing to be gone
In different uniform-you carry on.

A. P. Herbert

[imprint:] 144-117-1500. 42625-THE BAYNARD PRESS
```

[← Seeing it Through \[1\] (Thank you, Mrs. Porter)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/uk-seeing-it-through-mrs-porter-1944/) [Seeing It Through (Train driver) →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/uk-seeing-it-through-train-driver-1944/)

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