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Censorship during World War II, 1939
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Censorship during World War II, 1939
Squadron-Leader Elsdon on the left, censoring photographs at Senate House, London University during the early weeks of World War II. Date: 1939
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Media ID 7245051
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10583000
Bureau Censor Censored Censorship In Formation Ministry Official Secrecy Senate Squadron Ww Ii Censoring Elsdon
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the essence of the intense secrecy and vigilance that enshrouded the early days of World War II in Britain. The image, dated 1939, depicts Squadron-Leader Elsdon, a high-ranking member of the Royal Air Force, diligently poring over photographs at Senate House, London University. As the official censor for the Ministry of Information, Elsdon was responsible for scrutinizing and redacting any images that could potentially compromise military secrets or undermine morale. The setting of Senate House, a grand and imposing neoclassical building, serves as a stark reminder of the contrast between the intellectual pursuits of academia and the grim realities of war. The atmosphere is one of focused intensity, with Elsdon's stern expression and the piles of photographs before him conveying a sense of gravity and importance. The establishment of the Ministry of Information's censorship bureau was a crucial aspect of the British war effort, as the government sought to control the flow of information both at home and abroad. The censorship process was a delicate balance between maintaining transparency and preserving national security, and Elsdon's role was a critical one in ensuring that the right information reached the public. This photograph offers a unique glimpse into the behind-the-scenes workings of wartime censorship, and serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and dedication required to protect the security and morale of a nation during times of conflict.
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