National Service - United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Wartime national service in Britain required the whole population to register with the government's Ministry of Labour, which could then direct people where to work. Most men aged 18 to 51 were "called up" for military service, except for those in "reserved occupations" or "essential services": Farming, Railways, Medicine, Skilled Tradesmen in war industries, Firemen, Policemen, Coal Mining and the Merchant Navy, and unmarried women under 30 could be directed into war industries such as munitions factories, the Women's Land Army or the Women's Timber Corps. Coal shortages 1944-45 meant that thousands of the last wartime conscripts were drafted into coal mines (the "Bevin Boys", named after the wartime Minister of Labour). British national service ended with victory in 1945 but was reimposed (for men only) in 1947 to enlarge the armed forces, first for an 18-month term, then for two years. Compulsory military call-up ended in 1960 and national registration was discontinued (except as required for social insurance.)

In 1964, the Barron Knights had a hit record called "Call Up The Groups", which jokingly suggested that such popular British pop groups as Freddie and the Dreamers and The Rolling Stones be enlisted. (The Beatles are also referred to in the song, but not by name.) The record went to #3 on the UK charts, providing the humourous pop group with their first hit.