---
title: Torpedo the Axis!
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/uk-torpedo-the-axis-1939/
description: A large painted torpedo dominates the sheet, flanked by photographs of a torpedo strike, a motor torpedo boat, and factory workers, including women.
section: Collection
---

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3. Torpedo the Axis!

[![Torpedo the Axis!, 1939 UK poster: A large painted torpedo dominates the sheet, flanked by photographs of a torpedo strike](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/uk-torpedo-the-axis-1939.jpg)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/uk-torpedo-the-axis-1939.jpg)

# Torpedo the Axis!

A large painted torpedo dominates the sheet, flanked by photographs of a torpedo strike, a motor torpedo boat, and factory workers, including women, assembling torpedoes. The imperative headline links the factory floor to the weapon's effect on the enemy, placing the viewer's work inside the fighting.

## Propaganda techniques used in this poster

[Identity fusion](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/identity-fusion/)

## Text on the object

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

```
TORPEDO
THE AXIS!

PRINTED FOR H.M. STATIONERY OFFICE BY H.N. 51-9410.
ISSUED BY THE ADMIRALTY.
```

[← Together](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/uk-together-empire-forces-1939/) [Transport feeds the front line - We keep 'em running (Ministry of Supply No. 95) →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/uk-transport-feeds-the-front-line-ministry-of-supply-1939/)

## More propaganda examples that use the same techniques

- [Our job is to beat the Hun. Vote Union Government (Canada, 1917 election)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/our-job-is-to-beat-the-hun-union-government-1917/) (Canada · 1917 · Name-calling, Identity fusion). Content note: Ethnic slur ('Hun') for Germans in the slogan.
- [Julistus (Proclamation): Red Guard committee denies rumours and orders rumour-spreaders arrested](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/punakaarti-julistus-huhut-1918/) (Finland · 1918 · Identity fusion)
- [Salzburg 20-Kronen "Anschluss" voucher (1921)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/salzburg-anschluss-voucher-20-kronen-1921/) (Austria · 1921 · Identity fusion)
- [The Bombay Chronicle, article on a foreign-cloth bonfire (July 30, 1921)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/bombay-chronicle-cloth-bonfire-1921/) (British India · Jul 30, 1921 · Identity fusion, Glittering generalities)
- [L'Unione Sarda, 24 March 1929: 'Il voto di oggi, è atto di fede' (plebiscite day front page)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/unione-sarda-plebiscito-front-page-1929/) (Fascist Italy · Mar 24, 1929 · Identity fusion, Glittering generalities)
- [Zwei SA-Männer bringen ein Hitler-Plakat an (Mecklenburg)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/sa-maenner-kleben-hitler-plakat-mecklenburg-1932/) (Weimar Republic · Jun 21, 1932 · Identity fusion). Content note: Photograph of SA men in uniform with swastika armband putting up a Hitler election poster, 1932.
- [Hitlerjugend, Deutsches Jungvolk: Altmetallsammlung](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/hj-altmetallsammlung-jungvolk-1933/) (Nazi Germany · 1933 · Identity fusion). Content note: Deutsches Jungvolk boys in uniform collecting scrap metal, 1933.
- [Marine-HJ werben für den Bau von HJ-Heimen (Handwagen mit Plakat)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/marine-hj-werbung-hj-heime-1933/) (Nazi Germany · 1933 · Identity fusion). Content note: Hitler Youth members in uniform with swastika armbands and flags promoting the building of Hitler Youth homes.