They Cheer When You Forget Your Maps

One of a series of posters aimed at reinforcing American pilot safety during WWII.

In this somewhat amusing image, issued c. 1944 by the Directorate of Air Traffic and Safety and the Directorate of Safety Education, a hapless American pilot on desert patrol has unfortunately found himself in the Antarctic. The warm weather fatigues, fan, and canteen will be of little use as Hitler, Tojo, and Mussolini look on in delight from behind an igloo.

The message, encouraging U.S. pilots to always remember their maps and charts, was one of sixteen separate “They Cheer” posters that feature stereotypes of the Axis leaders. They were published during the war by the newly organized Directorate of Air Traffic and Safety (est. 1943) in an attempt to encourage responsible and safe behavior among airmen. Maps were of particular importance in the North African campaign, where the inexperienced U.S. infantry was quick to fire at any unidentified aircraft and numerous incidents of friendly fire hampered cooperation between ground and air forces.

Example at the Hennepin County Library.