Peacetime conscripts
The years of National Service cover almost two decades - from World War Two to the birth of the Beatles. In all, between 1945 and 1963, 2.5 million young men were compelled to do their time in National Service - with 6,000 being called up every fortnight.
'Some went willingly, while others were reluctant but resigned.'
Some went willingly, while others were reluctant but resigned. A few were downright bloody-minded, seeing little difference between their call up and the press gangs of Britain's distant past.
At first public opinion was behind the idea of peacetime conscription, or national service. It was clear in the immediate post war political landscape that Britain had considerable obligations, and only a limited number of men still in service.
There was Germany to be occupied with 100,000 troops; and Austria too. In the Middle East there was Palestine to be policed, Aden to be protected, the Suez Canal Zone to be held down - as well as Cyprus, Singapore, Hong Kong and a chain of lesser military bases.
However, in the milk bars and Lyon's tea shops of those days, no amount of government propaganda could stop youngsters of both sexes grousing about the disruption to their lives caused by national service. It would have an effect on education plans, young boys starting apprenticeships, and on girlfriends faced with the prospect of their partners disappearing with only occasional leave. The only escape, so it seemed, was failing the medical.
Published: 2001-08-01
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