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

W. T. Kenny

W. T. Kenny

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

Person, Armed Forces

War dead, WW1
1 memorial
J. Churchill

J. Churchill

Resident of Hendon who served and died in WW2.

Person, Armed Forces

War dead, WW2
1 memorial
F. E. G. Hoggatt

F. E. G. Hoggatt

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

Person, Armed Forces

War dead, WW1
1 memorial
Rainbow Corner

Rainbow Corner

Club for the American forces in the UK during WW2. Also known as the American Red Cross Club. This is where those "oversexed, overpaid and over here" GIs hung out. From British History online: The...

Building, Armed Forces, Community / Clubs

1 memorial
General Sir Rufane Donkin, KCB, GCH

General Sir Rufane Donkin, KCB, GCH

Served in India and South Africa. He named Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape after his wife, who had died in India, and built a pyramid-shaped memorial to her there. He returned to England and mar...

Person, Armed Forces, India, South Africa

1 memorial