“LEADERS OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE”: HANDSOME BRITISH WORLD WAR II POSTER

(WORLD WAR II). Poster: Leaders of the Royal Air Force. London: H.M. Stationery Office, circa 1941. Original color broadside poster, measuring 30 by 20 inches, closely framed, measures 22-1/2 by 32-1/2 inches. $2500.

Handsome original World War II poster showcasing R.A.F.'s Air Chief Marshals and Air Marshals, accompanied by the words: "Leaders of the Royal Air Force."

This original 1941 poster was intended to honor the senior officers of the Royal Air Force. In Britain, R.A.F. airmen were the most beloved and dashing military figures of the war. For British citizens enduring the Blitz, R.A.F. pilots were visible proof that Britain could win battles against the Nazis. Nearly 40,000 R.A.F. airmen died during the war and nearly 10,000 were taken prisoner. Honoring the airmen was heartfelt, but also practical—many within the R.A.F. feared that the casualty rates would destroy morale and posters such as this helped with both public reputation and recruitment. Deaccessioned by The Valentine Museum, Richmond, Virginia.

Usual fold lines, light creasing to edges and around folds. Near-fine condition.