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.

Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in here to see them

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...

Read More

National Service - Southwark

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

Read More

Other Subjects

W. Ricketts

W. Ricketts

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

Person, Armed Forces

War dead, WW1
1 memorial
F. E. J. Hart

F. E. J. Hart

Co-partner or employee of the South Suburban Gas Company. Served but did not die in WW1.

Person, Armed Forces

War served, WW1
1 memorial
8th London (County of London) Bde. R.F.A.
2 memorials
Vice-Admiral Sir Donald Gosling

Vice-Admiral Sir Donald Gosling

Served in the Royal Navy in 1944-8.  Entered business and was the founding member of a highly successful business partnership that took over National Car Parks, which became the largest car parking...

Person, Armed Forces, Benefactor

1 memorial
Admiral George Anson

Admiral George Anson

Admiral.  Born Staffordshire.  1740-4 circumnavigated the globe.   Captured a Spanish galleon loaded with gold and silver (aren't they all?) and returned home a wealthy man.  Died at home, Moor Par...

Person, Armed Forces, Exploring

1 memorial

Previously viewed

BBC History Project

BBC History Project

A 2016 BB2 television series called Black and British - A Forgotten History, traced the history of black people in Britain. Following on from this, a series of plaques are being erected around Brit...

Media, Community / Clubs, TV & Radio

3 memorials