Joining WW1

Joining WW1

1. Joining up

   • Many men joined up as they thought the war would be over by Christmas
     • It was a promise of adventure and a was to get away from home and work
       • It showed pride for their country and showed bravery to their friends and family
         • Propaganda posters convinced men to sign up to fight the atrocities the Germans were doing
           • New recruits were given chocolate or cigarettes
             • Some women would give white feathers to mean who didn't join up as a sign of cowardice

2. Recrutement

   • Britain had a small army in 1914 so needed more men
     • Britain had previously relied on Navy for protection
       • The army they had before WW1 was the British Expeditionary Force and had 120000 men
         • This was not nearly enough to fight the large armies of other countries

3. Constription

   • By 1916 thousands of British men had been killed Britain needed more soldiers
     • There was a shortage of volunteers after news of the war spread
       • The National Registration bill meant people needed to register name and age to see if they were fit for war
         • 3.4 million men in Britain were fit for war but had not volunteered
           • 1916 conscription was introduced to call men up to join the army

4. Pals Battalions

   • You could sign up and be in a battalion with your friends
     • Made recruitment popular
       • Meant whole towns sometimes dies in war

5. Requirements for Soldiers

   • Between 18 and 30
     • At least 5"6
       • Have a chest measuring 34 inchs
         • Many lied to join the war and boys as young as 13 joined up as birth certificates were rarely inspected