The Great War in Postcards
In the days before mobile phones, satellite communications, radio and television, picture postcards provided a good way of staying in touch. Some showed scenic views or local landmarks, while others were very topical and linked to the events of the day. Woolworth published and sold postcards before and during the First World War.
When the Great War broke out in 1914 a wave of patriotism swept the country. The High Street chain responded with a series of cards that introduced the key personalities, battleships and battlefields of the conflict. The cards give an intriguing insight into how the War was presented as it happened.
To view a postcard in higher resolution simply click its image. If you have a fast connection you can browse through the large versions of the cards by selecting the first one and then using the last/next links. You are welcome to download and reproduce these pictures, courtesy of The Woolworth Museum, if you do so in memory of those who lost their lives defending the cause of freedom.
Sir Edward Grey
Foreign Secretary
HMS Amphion
Active-class scout - 1st loss
HMS Birmingham
First World War Light Cruiser
Highlanders drawing water
A piece of German treachery
'Night and Flame'
Britannia rules the waves
Rt Hon Winston Churchill MP
First Lord of the Admiralty
Earl Kitchener
Secretary of State for War
HMS Queen Mary
Royal Naval Battle Cruiser
Uhlans routed by French Dragoons
'Not ashamed to die'
'Worth living for'
Always merry and bright
Earl Roberts
Field Marshall
Sir John (Earl) Jellicoe
Admiral later 1st Sea Lord
'Deck cleared for Action'
An unknown Naval Battleship in WWI
'Bravo Tommy'
The last gunner
USS The Recruit in
New York (1917)
D-d-did you s-s-say Berlin?