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Dutch World War II / Immediate Postwar Recruitment Poster for the Royal Netherlands Army

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
Dutch World War II / Immediate Postwar Recruitment Poster for the Royal Netherlands Army
This is a **Dutch World War II / immediate postwar recruitment poster** for the **Royal Netherlands Army (Koninklijke Nederlandsche Landmacht)** — encouraging men to enlist as war volunteers for training in England.---### ???? **Text Translation****Koninklijke Nederlandsche Landmacht** *Royal Netherlands Army***Meldt U als Oorlogsvrijwilliger voor de Expeditionnaire Macht** *Enlist as a War Volunteer for the Expeditionary Force***Opleiding in Engeland** *Training in England*---### ?? **Historical Context**This poster dates to **1944–1945**, during the liberation of the Netherlands and the reorganization of Dutch military forces in exile.After the German invasion in May 1940, much of the Dutch army was disbanded or captured. However, a **small Dutch government-in-exile** was established in **London**, along with a **Dutch military contingent** that trained in **England** and later fought alongside the Allies in Europe and Southeast Asia.This poster was part of a campaign to **recruit Dutch volunteers** — many from liberated areas or from Dutch communities abroad — to join the **Expeditionary Force**, which would participate in the final operations in Europe and, later, in the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia).---### ?? **Design & Symbolism*** **Central image:** A Dutchman, half civilian and half soldier, strides from the Netherlands to Britain. * His **right half (in white coat)** represents civilian life — carrying a suitcase with a small Dutch flag. * His **left half (in brown uniform)** represents military service — holding a rifle with bayonet, symbolizing duty and defense. * The transition between the two halves visually communicates transformation: from civilian to soldier, from occupation to liberation.* **Map background:** The **Netherlands (in yellow)** and **Britain (in red)** are clearly marked, with the English Channel separating them — symbolizing the journey to join the free Dutch forces.* **Color scheme:** The red, white, and blue border reflects the **Dutch national colors**, reinforcing patriotic appeal.* **Artist signature:** The lower center shows **“Loon van de”** (signature of **Louis van de Laar**, a Dutch illustrator active in wartime propaganda and postwar military poster design).---### ?? **Purpose and Audience**This poster aimed to recruit:* **Young Dutch men** from liberated areas (especially after 1944, when southern Netherlands was freed). * **Exiled or refugee Dutch citizens** living in the UK or abroad.It emphasizes **voluntary enlistment** — “oorlogsvrijwilliger” (war volunteer) — appealing to patriotism and the opportunity to help rebuild the Netherlands and liberate remaining occupied areas.---### ?? **Summary**| Feature | Details | | --------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Title** | Koninklijke Nederlandsche Landmacht recruitment poster | | **Date** | ca. 1944–1945 | | **Issuer** | Dutch Government-in-Exile / Royal Netherlands Army | | **Purpose** | Recruit Dutch volunteers for the Expeditionary Force | | **Training location** | England | | **Design** | Split figure (civilian/soldier) stepping from Netherlands to Britain | | **Tone** | Patriotic, optimistic, liberational | | **Style** | Modern cartoon-like illustration emphasizing transformation |---Measures roughly 19 inches x 24 inches.