They Cheer - When You Pay No Attention to Pattern

In this vividly illustrated WWII-era safety poster, a smug pilot glides along the flight path, eyes closed in misplaced confidence, oblivious to the consequences of his carelessness. Ahead of him, three fellow pilots react with alarm — swerving to avoid a midair collision caused by his failure to follow the flight pattern. At the top left, Hitler, Tojo, and Mussolini float on a cartoon cloud, cheering with satisfaction at the internal disruption.

This image is part of the impactful “They Cheer” series, created by the Directorate of Air Traffic and Safety and the Directorate of Safety Education during World War II. Designed to educate the influx of new military pilots, these posters used humor and enemy caricature to underscore critical safety practices. The lesson here: inattentiveness to flight procedure doesn’t just inconvenience others — it risks lives and aids the enemy.

The composition is direct and memorable. The clear distinction between the calm, oblivious pilot and the startled reactions of those ahead of him makes the stakes instantly clear. As with the rest of the series, the cheering Axis leaders serve as a cutting reminder that every Allied misstep is a win for the other side.

This is an Original Vintage Poster; it is not a reproduction. This poster was printed on heavyweight paper and is in excellent condition apart from slight toning at folds.

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