A military acquaintance of mine possesses an interesting collection of old-time recruiting posters. They are mostly bright efforts, but I doubt whether Mr, Here-Belisha's popularity would be enhanced if he used some of their arguments, One broadsheet for the 14th Light Dragoons, issued during the Napoleonic wars, commenced horse a horse, my kingdom for a horse!" and invited "all who are kicking heels behind a desk with too little wages and a pinch-gut master, all with too much wife or obstinate parents" to apply to the local recruiting office Apparently Napoleon was beaten by a crowd of badly-paid clerks, henpecked husbands and repressed youngster:
In contrast to this attempt to take advantage of economic disability and domestic discord an infantry appeal strikes an almost spiritual note. There is no sordid suggestion of higher wages, no crude hint of escape from marital or parental troubles in the inspiring call to higher service issued by the Northumberland Grenadiers.
Their ranks are open, according to poster, to "a few generous Britons aid the "Patriotic Inhabitants of Sp ana Portugal" (This sounds almost topical).
If the cavalry can call in Shakes peace to help their recruiting efforts the infantry, too, are not lacking in the poetical touch. Their colours are described as those of the "Old, Bold, Fighting, Flaming, often tried but never Failing, Fifth..."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.