Enlistment Poster featuring Albert Jacka
This AIF enlistment poster was produced in 1917 by which time the story of Albert Jacka’s award of the VC on Gallipoli was well known. Jacka’s subsequent bravery at Pozières in France in 1916, and his award of a Military Cross for that action, would have been familiar to most Australians. By 1917, such were the losses suffered by the AIF on the Western Front that great efforts were being made by recruiting authorities in all states to encourage men to enlist. Such encouragement was all the more necessary as a referendum to introduce conscription for military service overseas had failed in 1916. The message if this poster is clear – those who are real ‘sports’ will join up and not let down a man and a soldier like Albert Jacka.
Jacka was promoted Second Lieutenant in April 1916, Lieutenant in August 1916 and Captain in March 1917.