Anonymous
42 x 59 cm
Under the title "England finds herself in Trouble!", this interesting Portuguese-language periodical examines and illustrates the effects on Great Britain of both the Battle of the Atlantic and the Blitz. It speculates as to how long Britain can hold out under these difficult circumstances.
In the margins are six panels, illustrated to resemble stills from a roll of film, showing merchant ships sunk by German submarines, planes, and ships. On top of the map itself are evocative images showing the destruction of London, Southampton, Plymouth, Cardiff, Bristol, Coventry, Norwich, and Hull by German bombs. Two lengthy quotes, allegedly taken from the Sydney Sun newspaper, but quoting The Times of London, describe Britain's situation as dire with food supplies dwindling, government failing to meet basic needs, and citizens panicking.
Though Portugal remained neutral throughout the war, they remained favorable towards Britain and the Allies behind closed doors. It is likely that this map was not published by any official Portuguese source, but rather by the Axis propaganda machine hoping to keep Portugal out of the war or perhaps even to join the Axis against Britain.
Printed colour. Laid down on archival linen. [GB2094]