Recruiting

His Country's Call

A typical patriotic image from the First World War, by British artist Cyril Cuneo.

Join the 150th Battalion!

"There's lots happening here - join us in the 150th Battalion" - a recruiting postcard drawn by artist Louis Keene and sent from Amherst, Nova Scotia, where the Montreal unit was training.

Bring your friends and enlist

When voluntarism slowed down in late 1915, units resorted to many tactics - including direct mail campaigns like this one - to attract potential recruits.

"In the interests of recruiting"

The young men of Pictou County, Nova Scotia, could find a wealth of information about enlistment in this weekly pamphlet - whether they were interested in the Royal Flying Corps, the tunnelling corps, the engineers, the transport services, or the 106th Regiment Nova Scotia Rifles.

Recruiter 1-3.pdf (28.29 MB)
Recruiter 1-2.pdf (27.82 MB)
Recruiter 1-3.pdf (28.29 MB)
Recruiter 1-2.pdf (27.82 MB)

Calling Francophones

Selling the First World War to French Canada was a challenge but this booklet, published as a recruiting tool, attempted to make the case in favour of participation.

"We will drive the foeman back"

Joseph Lawson was a Toronto insurance broker who was attested into the 204th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, to act as a recruiter. He often appeared at recruiting rallies with John Slatter, bandmaster of the 48th Highlanders.