National Service Collection

Rock and Roll singer Marty Wilde took his National Service medical at the medical centre in Lea Road, South East London. 3rd February 1959

Marty Wilde, singer, pictured outside Army Recruiting Office ahead of his National Service Medical, 3rd February 1959

Preparation de la Jeunesse Francaise au Service Militaire, 1920 (colour litho)
1199848 Preparation de la Jeunesse Francaise au Service Militaire, 1920 (colour litho) by Malherbe, William (1884-1952); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection

Healthy skin keeps him on the job c. 1944
7265328 Healthy skin keeps him on the job c.1944 by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Federal Security Agency - U.S)

His mask keeps him on the job. c. 1944
7265326 His mask keeps him on the job. c.1944 by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Federal Security Agency - U.S)

Regular check ups keep him on the job c. 1944
7265414 Regular check ups keep him on the job c.1944 by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Doctor with Stethoscope performs a medical check-up Federal Security Agency)

Castlehill Barracks (b / w photo)
7191232 Castlehill Barracks (b/w photo) by Porter, James (1874-1937); Private Collection; (add.info.: Castlehill Barracks)

The Royal Red Cross Medal (litho)
7182001 The Royal Red Cross Medal (litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Royal Red Cross Medal. Illustration for Chatterbox (1918).); © Look and Learn

Sailors of the Royal Navy (chromolitho)
7185911 Sailors of the Royal Navy (chromolitho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sailors of the Royal Navy)

Drawing Lots (engraving)
7164452 Drawing Lots (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Drawing Lots. Illustration for The Comic Annual by Thomas Hood)

Yeomanry Cavalry (colour litho)
7181614 Yeomanry Cavalry (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Yeomanry Cavalry)

Our Volunteers (colour litho)
7181587 Our Volunteers (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Our Volunteers. Illustration for Bubbles edited by Dr Barnardo (1900).); © Look and Learn

La Conscription (engraving)
7194333 La Conscription (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: La Conscription. Illustration for Histoire de France en Cent Tableaux by Paul Lehugeur (A Lahure)

National Service Womens Land Army, "God speed the plough
1073855 National Service Womens Land Army, " God speed the plough and the woman who drives it", pub. London, c.1917 (colour litho) by Gawthorn

Return of the class (colour litho)
971947 Return of the class (colour litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Return of the class)

A French Army reservist arriving at his barracks with his family (colour litho)
2779526 A French Army reservist arriving at his barracks with his family (colour litho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Volunteering for National Service (litho)
603389 Volunteering for National Service (litho) by Begg, Samuel (fl.1886-1916); Private Collection; (add.info.: Volunteering for National Service: an urgent duty)

The raffle of the Saints, painting by Jose Jimenez Aranda, 1878
AIS5388634 The raffle of the Saints, painting by Jose Jimenez Aranda, 1878 by Jimenez Aranda, Jose (1837-1908); (add.info)

Suez Crisis 1956 Reservists who were called up for the crisis celebrate their return to Britain on board the troopship Empire Orwell 06/12/1956 H9681

Swansea Town and Wales international footballer Cliff Jones serving his National Service at with the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery regiment of the British Army

Nelsons Column with National Service recruitment poster, London, 1939. The poster on the base of the column claims National Service - its up to YOU. St Martin-in-the-Fields is in the background, left

National Service is the business of the citizen. A tableau depicting voluntary organizations was staged at the Regal Cinema in Bexleyheath, Kent

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"National Service: A Journey Through Time and Duty" In the realm of national service, a tapestry of stories unfolds, showcasing the diverse experiences and sacrifices made by individuals across generations. From Rolf Harris to Tommy Trinder, Harold Goodwin to Derek Prentice in Maurice Elveys' "You Lucky People, " these figures became symbols of resilience and dedication. Even rock and roll singer Marty Wilde found himself facing the call for duty as he took his National Service medical at the bustling medical center. It was here that dreams collided with reality, as young men prepared themselves mentally and physically for what lay ahead. Looking back into history, we find ourselves transported to 1920 France where "Preparation de la Jeunesse Francaise au Service Militaire" captured vibrant colors on lithographic paper. This artwork serves as a reminder that national service has long been an integral part of societies worldwide. During World War II, posters proclaiming "Healthy skin keeps him on the job, " "His mask keeps him on the job, " and "Regular check-ups keep him on the job" adorned walls everywhere. These messages emphasized not only physical well-being but also highlighted how individual contributions were vital to maintaining a strong nation during times of conflict. Castlehill Barracks stands tall in black-and-white photographs, echoing with stories from soldiers who called it home during their service. The barracks served as a hub for camaraderie, discipline, and training - molding young men into resilient warriors ready to defend their country's honor. The Royal Red Cross Medal represents bravery beyond measure – an accolade bestowed upon those who selflessly cared for wounded soldiers during times of war. This symbolizes not just heroism but also compassion amidst chaos. Sailors of the Royal Navy are immortalized through chromolithography – vivid images capturing their strength against tumultuous seas. These brave souls navigated treacherous waters while upholding traditions passed down through generations.