Conscription Flashcards
How did people respond to the war effort first?
There was a great rush to join the army. By 6 Aug 500,000 men were accepted by the Parliament and Lord Kitchener made a call to arms for men between 19-30 who were at least 1.6 m tall with an expanded chest size of 86cm.
How did underage men get into the army?
They lied about their age so they could get enlisted.
Many men joined the army because they thought the war would be over by..
And they thought the war would be a …
Christmas. ‘Lark.’
What happened when the admissions resulted in a shortage of uniform and weapons?
Some of the soldiers had to use sweep brushes as pretend guns.
What were Pals Batallions?
These were units which could teach 1000 men comprising of friends and family. They formed across Leeds, Sheffield, and Liverpool.
How many Hulls Pals did the East Yorkshire Regiment have?
Four with nicknames such as The Commercials, the Sportsmen, the Tradesmen, and T’Others.
When did the world war begin?
4 August 1918.
What acts did the government pass when conscription slowed down?
The National Registration Act was passed in July 1915 where men who were not in the military were made to register as it was learned that 5 million men between 15 and 65 were not registered.
In October 1915, the Derby Scheme was set up to enlist voluntarily or give an obligatory enlistment.
How were men rewarded for enlisting with the Derby Scheme?
They were given an armband with a red crown. However, by 1916, only 38% of single workers and 54% of married workers were attested.
What was the Military Service Act?
This made conscription obligatory for men who had been residents of GB since August 1915 (had not left), men between 19 and 41, and men who had been widowed since before the 2nd of Nov, 1915
How was the Military Service Act ammended?
Those who were residents since 4 August and between 18 and 41 were included. The government also reserved the right to examine men previously deemed unfit.
Who opposed the Military Service Act?
Liberal and Labour MPs.
Trade Unions - feared extension to industrial work.
Conscientious objectors.
