Description: Three cuttings books compiled by the staff of Sir Hedley Francis Le Bas (1868-1926), containing newspaper clippings and correspondence relating to his life and work. The material mainly relates to his work on advertisments to recruit men to the army during the First World War.
The earliest book HAT21/564/1 (1906-1913) mostly contains editorials on the political career of Nathaniel Micklem QC (1853-1954) MP for Watford (Hertfordshire West). Le Bas succeeded Micklem as MP for Watford in 1913. Towards the end of the book there is an editorial containing an inaugural speech by Le Bas, in which he discusses the issue of conscription.
The second book HAT21/564/2 (1914-1919) contains editorials on Le Bas' recruitment advertising and some examples of the actual adverts. The editorials contain negative as well as positive reviews and comments on the recruitment ads. Also included are editorials on The Lord Kitchener Memorial Book and Le Bas' work on publicising the War Loan.
The third book HAT21/564/3 (1916-1919) contains telegrams and handwritten letters of congratulations to Sir Hedley and Lady Le Bas on his Knighthood as well as editorials covering his receipt of the honour. The book also includes editorials on court proceedings of a libel case brought by Le Bas against the Daily Mail in 1919.
Level: Collection (Fonds)
Reference: HAT21/564
Alt Ref No.: HAT21_564
Extent: 3 books
Product Category: Government
Related Material: See also: The Lord Kitchener Memorial Book (LIB/6608)
Keywords: World War One; World War 1; WWI; WW1; army recruitment;
Admin History: Sir Hedley Francis Le Bas (1868-1926) was born in Jersey in 1868. The son of Captain Thomas Amice Le Bas (merchant navy), he served for seven years from the age of 17 as a non-commissioned officer in the 15th Hussars. After his service he worked in publishing and eventually founded the Caxton Publishing Company in 1899. He was a keen sportsman undertaking swimming, golf and football and was awarded The Royal Humane Society's Medal for rescuing two ladies at Frinton-on-Sea in 1911. In 1913 Le Bas succeeded Nathaniel Micklem QC as MP for Watford, although he stepped down from the post shortly before the outbreak of war.
Le Bas is most well known for the largely successful advertising campaign to recruit men to the army during the First World War. The adverts were developed with the aid of a group of advertising and publishing men, who met once a week at York House, St James' Palace. The committee was composed of: Mr Thomas Russell, (Advertising Consultant); Mr Wareham Smith, (Advertisement Director, Associated Newspapers); Mr J C Ackerman, (Proprietor, The Advertiser's Weekly), Mr Eric Field, (Advertising Manager, The Caxton Publishing Company); Mr Charles Frederick Higham, (Advertising Agent) and Mr H Simonis, (Director, The Daily News and Leader). Le Bas also helped advise the government on promotion of the War Loan, while also helping the Prince of Wales Relief Fund and the Vienna Relief Fund.
Le Bas was granted a Knighthood in 1916 in recognition of his work and contribution to the war effort.