During the years leading up to
World War 2, several series of cards emphasising the might of the
British armed forces were released, among them an intriguing set by
Louis Gerard of London's Burlington Arcade. What with modern
searchlights, heavy tanks, wireless communications and parachute troops,
as well as all the Navy and Airforce had to offer, the overall
impression was one of state of the art efficiency. However, the reality
was somewhat different. The 'giant submarine' was the X.I, at 3,600 tons
the largest in existence. Dogged by mechanical failures it was scrapped
the same year these cards were issued, whilst the impressive-looking
'aircraft carrier with planes on deck' wasn't British at all, but
America's U.S.S. Saratoga. The 'modern monoplane night bomber' turns out
to be the Fairey Hendon of which the R A F had only one squadron, all
the others being out-dated bi-planes. The 'modern fighting plane' is
another dinosaur, the Westland F7/30, and the bi-plane 'bomber squadron
formation flying' would hardly have given Hitler or Goering any
sleepless nights. Nor would the anti-aircraft gun on the back of an
ancient lorry, more a hangover from World War I - an image perpetuated
on 'troops prepared for gas attack', bayonets drawn and ready to go over
the top. The cards graphically illustrate the nation's attempts to
up-grade its weaponry for the needs of modern warfare.
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