Original Item: Only One Available. Despite being neutral at the start of World War II, Belgium and its colonial possessions found themselves at war after the country was invaded by German forces on 10 May 1940. After 18 days of fighting in which Belgian forces were pushed back into a small pocket in the north-west of the country, the Belgian military surrendered to the Germans, beginning an occupation that would endure until 1944. The surrender of 28 May was ordered by King Leopold III without the consultation of his government and sparked a political crisis after the war. Despite the capitulation, many Belgians managed to escape to the United Kingdom where they formed a government and army-in-exile on the Allied side.

The Free Belgian forces were soldiers from Belgium and its colonies who fought as part of the Allied armies during World War II, after the official Belgian surrender to NSDAP Germany. It is distinct from the Belgian Resistance which existed in German-occupied Belgium.

The main goal of this poster was presumably to encourage American support for the Belgian resistance and “army-in-exile” cause. In the diagonal sweep of the composition, the image of bound prisoners facing a German firing squad is counteracted by the avenging Belgian soldier and the thrust of the fighter aircraft.

The artwork featured on the poster was done by Renée Sturbelle. Not much is known about this artist, but what he is known for is his unique abstract artworks. He is believed to have been a Belgian native.

The poster is in wonderful condition with great colors. There is no significant damage present with the only real wear being located on the edges. There is no extensive tearing present.

A wonderful poster that comes more than ready for further research and display.