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Lined up for the first roll call of their six monthsservice at Whittington Barracks
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Lined up for the first roll call of their six monthsservice at Whittington Barracks
Lined up for the first roll call of their six monthsservice at Whittington Barracks, these young militiamen do not look as though they are finding it much of an ordeal. This was probably the first complete squad of militiamen in England, for they were on parade by 10:30 am 15th July 1939
The Militiamen were the result of The Military Training Act 1939 which was an Act of Parliament passed by the Conservative administration on 26 May 1939, in a period of international tension that led to World War II. The Act applied to males aged 20 and 21 years old who were to be called up for six months full-time military training, and then transferred to the Reserve..
Men called up were to be known as militiamen to distinguish them from the regular army. To emphasise this distinction, each man was issued with a suit in addition to a uniform. The intention was for the first intake to undergo six months of basic training before being discharged into an active reserve. They would then be recalled for short training periods and attend annual camps.
There was one registration under the Act, of the first cohort of liable males, on Saturday 3 June 1939, and call-up for these men followed
Staff
Birmingham Post and Mail Archive
Mirrorpix
Lichfield
Staffordshire
England
Media ID 21841664
© Mirrorpix
1939 Coats Men Only Officers Recruitment Recruits Suitcase Thirties Warwickshire War And Conflict West Midlands
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Lined up for the first roll call of their six months service at Whittington Barracks, these young militiamen exude a sense of youthful enthusiasm and camaraderie. Despite the impending challenges that lay ahead, they appear undeterred, ready to embark on their journey as England's first complete squad of militiamen. This significant moment captured in July 1939 marked the implementation of The Military Training Act 1939, a response to the escalating international tensions leading up to World War II. Aimed at males aged 20 and 21 years old, this Act mandated six months of full-time military training followed by transfer into the Reserve. Distinguished from regular army personnel, each man was issued with both a uniform and a suit to emphasize their unique role as militiamen. The initial cohort underwent rigorous basic training before being discharged into an active reserve. Recalled periodically for further training and annual camps, they stood prepared to serve whenever duty called. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of those who answered their country's call during uncertain times. It captures not only their determination but also reflects the spirit that bound them together as comrades-in-arms. Preserved through Memory Lane Prints, this image allows us to glimpse into history and appreciate the sacrifices made by these young men in defense of their nation.
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