When Did National Service End In The Uk

National Service Remembered aims to bring to life the stories of those who were conscripted.

This exhibition honours the heroic contribution a generation of men gave to their state, capturing their wealth of knowledge and historic experiences for generations to come up.

The National Service years spanned from 1947 until 1963, and in that fourth dimension more than two million men were conscripted into the British Ground forces, Royal Navy or the Royal Air Force.

National Service was mandatory. Generally all able-bodied men between the ages of eighteen and 30 were chosen upwards. However, it was possible to defer if working as an amateur or studying, or even exist exempted altogether if working in one of the 3 essential services which were coal mining, farming and the merchant navy.

National Service conscripts were expected to serve xviii months. This was extended upwardly to 2 years during the Korean War (1950-53). Once they had been demobbed, conscripts had to remain on the reserve listing for four years, and could be recalled to their units if needed.

All National Service conscripts were asked to nourish medical assessments, after which they were sent for six weeks of basic training in the British Regular army. In one case the conscripts arrived at their preparation base they were issued with their compatible and equipment, and preparation could brainstorm. Immature men from across the country and from a wide range of experiences and social backgrounds were expected to live, train and work together at close quarters. They had to adapt to military machine life and subject within a thing of weeks.

Post-obit completion of their bones training, conscripts were allocated to one of the armed forces to serve. Afterward basic training, National Service conscripts served in a variety of roles beyond the Armed Forces. Besides every bit serving at home, Servicemen were posted to one of U.k.'southward many garrisons around the world. An overseas posting often meant that the conscripts saw active service. It is difficult now to imagine that many of the young men who were conscripted, with minimal training, were expected to fight. Between 1947 and 1963, a full of 395 National Servicemen were killed in active service. Many more than experienced things that they volition never forget.

The men who completed National Service are now a minimum of 77 years old. For this generation of men, compulsory National Service was quite simply what had to exist done. An expected commitment of their time, their efforts, and in many cases - their lives.

In the National Service Remembered podcast series, in that location are 9 episodes each featuring extraordinary accounts from servicemen. The podcast aims to bring to life the stories of those who were conscripted, honouring the heroic contribution a generation of men gave to their country, capturing their wealth of noesis and historic experiences for generations to come up.

DORSET - National Servicemen

UK Broad - National Servicemen

To say a huge thanks to every lottery role player who has made this Heritage project possible, we are giving away our free National Service Remembered E-Brochure.

Nosotros are also giving abroad complimentary, accessible school resources and then that this unique part of our national history tin be explored by all ages. Click the buttons beneath to find out more.

According to Age UK, more than ii million people in England over the age of 75 live alone

AND MORE THAN A MILLION OLDER PEOPLE SAY THEY Go FOR OVER A Month WITHOUT SPEAKING TO A FRIEND, Neighbour OR Family unit Member.

To address the increasing needs and isolation of National Service Veterans in the older age groups, we have teamed upward with organisations who specifically help the older, vulnerable generation. If yous, or someone you know, could do good from their help, please feel free to get in touch.

Click on any of the organisations BELOW to find out more information.

If you also would to share your experience of National Service with us, nosotros'd be delighted to hear from you.

Simply click and fill up out the course below.

If you are an organisation, schoolhouse or museum who may like to exhibit 'National Service Remembered', or collaborate on something else, please also arrive touch via the form below.

National Service Veterans Contact Form

National Service Organisational Contact Grade

'National Service Remembered' has been gratefully supported and sponsored by: