This postcard was printed in Australia for use in Christmas cards in 1917, during the First World War.

The composition places the United Kingdom at the centre, from which five arms extend out, shaking hands with the most important dependent territories of the British Empire: Canada, India, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. Two flags cross at the top: the Union Jack on the left and the red version of the Australian flag. Below the flags are also the years that, at the time, had elapsed from the Great War: 1914-1917.

In the header, the slogan that gives the postcard its title appears, Honour the king, fear God, remember home, which is complemented by another message at the bottom: Joined for liberty and truth, our word is our bond, to the day of victory. With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. 1917-18.

Taken together, all the details make this postcard a great example of British propaganda during World War I. It does not show all British colonies. It does not show all British colonies, but focuses only on colonies and dominions that provided significant military support during the war. That this postcard was printed in Australia is also no coincidence. It was precisely in Australia that forced conscription had been rejected in a referendum.

The presence of the red version of the Australian flag is also an interesting detail. Although officially this design was designated for the merchant navy, in practice it also had widespread civilian use on public buildings, markets and community events.

Postcards were an essential propaganda medium during the First World War, given their low price and the ease with which they were distributed around the world, slipping in and out of messages from the front or to the front.

Sources

• Postcard with Christmas greeting, World War I