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The Right Hon F E Smith, War Censor in Chief, WW1
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The Right Hon F E Smith, War Censor in Chief, WW1
The Right Hon F E Smith MP, appointed War Censor in Chief, President of the newly formed Government Press Bureau, on the outbreak of the First World War. Date: 1914
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Media ID 14205540
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Bureau Censor Censorship Chief Control Information Member Minister News Official Outbreak Parliament Press Smith
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This evocative photograph captures The Right Honourable Frederick Edwin Smith, MP (1872-1930), in the role of War Censor in Chief and President of the Government Press Bureau during the tumultuous first year of the First World War. Appointed to these positions in 1914, Smith played a pivotal role in controlling and shaping the flow of information to the British public during a time of unprecedented crisis. Smith, a prominent politician and Member of Parliament, was a man of great intellect and gravitas. Seated at his desk, surrounded by stacks of papers and documents, he appears focused and determined, the weight of responsibility etched on his face. The serious expression and furrowed brow suggest the immense pressure he was under to ensure the accuracy and propriety of news reports, as well as to maintain morale on the home front. The photograph is a poignant reminder of the critical role that censorship and information control played in shaping public opinion during wartime. Smith's appointment marked the beginning of a new era in government communication, as the Government Press Bureau became the primary source of official information for the British press. This image, taken in London during the early days of the war, offers a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the political and media landscape of the time. As we reflect on the historical significance of this photograph, we are reminded of the enduring importance of effective communication and information management in times of crisis. The image stands as a testament to the power of one man's ability to shape the narrative and guide the nation through the complexities of war.
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