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New Court, City of London: WW1 Recruitment for Jews

More than 40,000 Jewish soldiers fought for Britain during World War One.

Joining up was not necessarily a straightforward process. Anti-Semitism meant some potential recruits were simply turned away. Many people changed their names if they were deemed to be "too German" and some resorted to signing up as Christian in order to hide their faith and avoid prejudice.

A further complication was that many Jews in London had come to the capital as refugees from Russia. The idea of fighting for the same cause as the Russians did not sit easily with everyone.

To counter some of the problems a special recruitment office was set up in New Court, in the City of London.

Recruitment posters stressed the need for Jews to join the war effort stating: ‘Do not hesitate but come at once and do your duty to the country where you choose to reside’.

Location: New Court, City of London WC2A
Image: Recruitment poster aimed at Jews, courtesy of IWM

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