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

A. C. Hobbs

A. C. Hobbs

J. Lyons & Co. Ltd. staff member who died in WW2.

Person, Armed Forces

War dead, WW2
1 memorial
Frederick, Duke of York

Frederick, Duke of York

Born St James's Palace, the second and favourite son of George III. Card gambler. Fought a duel on Wimbledon Common. Commander-in-Chief of the British Army, 1795 - 1809 and 1811 - 1827. Died, heavi...

Person, Armed Forces, Royalty

2 memorials
Eagle Squadrons

Eagle Squadrons

Knowing that America would eventually enter the war, and inspired by stories of the RAF pilots many American men responded to the call for pilots to replace those lost in the Battle of Britain. Fr...

Group, Armed Forces, USA

1 memorial
J. W. Bell

J. W. Bell

Resident of Willesden who volunteered and died in the Anglo Boer War, 1899-1900.

Person, Armed Forces, South Africa

War dead, Other war
1 memorial
P. J. Jordan

P. J. Jordan

J. Lyons & Co. Ltd. staff member who died in WW2.

Person, Armed Forces

War dead, WW2
1 memorial