National War Bonds, First World War

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

During the First World War, many members of the public helped fund the war effort through National War Bonds. The marketing for war bonds called on the public's sense of national duty, to help secure victory for Britain.

Some people, however, did not have the means to contribute money to the war effort, and offered what they could. An example of this is a letter, signed by 'A. Mother', who wrote: 'As I have no money, I am hoping you can turn this bracelet into a bullet'.

Read about the range of ways that individuals contributed towards the funding of the First World War: http://socsi.in/Vp9o3

Image: letter from ‘A. Mother’ offering a bracelet to aid the war effort (T 172/696).