WW2: Join the COGS… Children formed their own COG salvage gangs… They scavenged for salvage for the war effort and earnt badges for it…

Poster – Look What’s Happening To Our Salvage – Join The ‘COGS’

Children were encouraged to help the war effort by collecting metal, paper and rags for recycling. On this poster, soap cartons have been used in the manufacture of artillery shells. Children could earn the red Junior Salvage Steward cog badge as shown on the poster for their salvage efforts.

The “Cogs” even had their own song which began “There’ll Always be a Dustbin” sung to the tune of “There’ll Always be an England” which gave them a sense of belonging.

© IWM (Art.IWM PST 14738)