Event    From 1916  To 1963

national service / military conscription

Categories: Armed Forces

Military conscription has existed for two periods in modern times, related to WW1 and WW2 respectively: 1916 - 20 ("military service") and 1939 - 60 ("national service" or sometimes "war service"). The last conscription term ended in 1963.

In WW2, by 1942 all male British subjects between 18 and 51 years old and all females 20 to 30 years old resident in Great Britain and the Isle of Man were liable to be called up, with some exemptions, such as married women, clergy,  police, etc. Initially the service period was 18 months but it was extended to 2 years.

Many saw it as an inconvenience, as it took them away from their jobs or studies. Whilst for others it was the opportunity for learning new skills. A lot of the recruits saw action in conflicts such as the Korean War.

For contrast see conscientious objectors.

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
national service / military conscription

Commemorated ati

National Service - Greenwich

This plaque honours the national servicemen of of the London Borough of Green...

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National Service - Southwark

National Service This plaque is in recognition by Southwark Council and the P...

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Other Subjects

Lieutenant Commander James Dawbarn Young, R.N.V.R.

Lieutenant Commander James Dawbarn Young, R.N.V.R.

Qualified as surveyor and then as a lawyer.  Public spirited and worked with the Claremont Central Mission (we think this was a nationwide religious charitable organisation working with young peopl...

Person, Armed Forces, Law, Property, Belgium

War dead, WW1
3 memorials
W. Townsend

W. Townsend

J. Lyons & Co. Ltd. staff member who died in WW1.

Person, Armed Forces

War dead, WW1
1 memorial
W. A. Gomm

W. A. Gomm

Resident of Hendon who served and died in WW2.

Person, Armed Forces

War dead, WW2
1 memorial
Chas. H. Ardley

Chas. H. Ardley

Resident of the Central Ward, Hendon who served and died in WW1.

Person, Armed Forces

War dead, WW1
1 memorial
Sir George Stuart White

Sir George Stuart White

British field marshal, who conducted the defence of Ladysmith during its siege from 2 November 1899 to 28 February 1900. Born in County Antrim, Buried at First Broughshane Presbyterian Church, Ulst...

Person, Armed Forces, Africa, Ireland

1 memorial