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
- Date
- 1944
- Period
- Second World War
- Made by
- London Transport (roundel), printed by The Baynard Press; artist Eric Kennington (signed EHK 44); verse by A. P. Herbert
- Region
- Western and Central Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Medium
- Poster
- Issuer type
- Corporation
- Regime
- Churchill Government
- Leader
- Winston Churchill
- Audience
- Domestic public
- Purpose
- Reassure
- Themes
- Home front, Labor
- Event
- World War II
- Leader
- Winston Churchill
- Source
- Identified Openly sourced: the speaker is who they say they are
- Source
- U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 44, World War II Foreign Posters, retrieved October 3, 2026
- Rights
- Held by NARA, Unrestricted; UK wartime publication, hosted by owner decision
London Transport; artist Eric Kennington; verse A. P. Herbert; printed by The Baynard Press, National Archives and Records Administration, 44-PF-384c.
Text on the object
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
