Recruitment - First World War Flashcards
What were the 4 armies of the First World War?
1) Haldane’s Regular which were deployed in 1914.
2) Haldane’s Territorials who replaced the BEF after the 1st Battle of Ypres.
3) Kitchener’s New Army which was made up of volunteers to help territorials.
4) Conscription created a 4th army just before the Somme.
What happened regarding conscientious objectors?
The UK and the USA were the only nation to recognise them as they made up 0.33% of the population. Around 80% of them were able to avoid enlisting in the actual force although 90% of these did alternative roles in the army.
What did General Henry Rawlinson Suggest?
He suggested that the formation of Pals Battalions made up of people from the same city or area would help encourage enlistment as you would be able to join up with your friends. For example Hull had 4 Battalions.
Why were the reforms made by Cardwell and Haldane unable to keep up with the demand for reserves?
The Aim of the Cardwell and Haldane reforms was to have a reserve force in place in case the main force became diminished however, the immense casualties of industrial warfare meant that there simply wasn’t enough.
How did the army try and alleviate problems surrounding numbers?
They first tried to rely upon Kitchener’s campaign which was more aggressive but this was still not enough.
In January 1916 the Military Service Act was put in place and conscription was now in place.
Who became liable for military service?
By May 1916 all men aged between 18 to 41 were eligible for conscription. Although it did make people exempt if they were unfit for service, were conscientious objectors, sole supporters of dependants or were engaged in crucial war work.
Civilians were constantly exposed to propaganda encouraging them to enlist.
Who and how did the navy recruit during the war?
They tapped extensively into the glory of Nelson but also appealed to technologically minded recruits who wanted to use the latest technology.
