history- 2.1- why did some men enlist?

Recruitment

The activity of attracting people to, and selecting them for, military training and employment.

Volunteer

A person who enlists in military service by free will.

Propaganda

Information, often biased, used to promote a political cause or point.

Soldier

A person who serves in an army.

Enlist

To join the armed forces.

Battalion

A large body of troops organised to act together.

Conscription

Compulsory enlistment into the armed forces.

How many regular troops did Britain have on the outbreak of war in August 1914?

On the outbreak of war in August 1914, Britain had 247,432 regular troops. It was clear that more soldiers would be needed to defeat the German Army.

What happened on the 7th August 1914?

On 7th August 1914, Lord Kitchener, the war minister, immediately began a recruiting campaign by calling for men aged between 19 and 30 to join the British Army. At first, this was very successful with an average of 33,000 men joining every day.

What did Kitchener do 3 weeks later?

3 weeks later, Kitchener raised the recruiting age to 35 and by the middle of September over 500,000 men had volunteered their services.

What were the specifications about could become soldiers like at the beginning of the war?

At the beginning of the war the army had very strict specifications about who could become soldiers.

How tall did men joining the army have to be at the beginning of the war?

Men joining the army had to be at least 5ft 6in tall.

What was the minimum chest measurement at the beginning of the war?

Men had to have a chest measurement of at least 35 inches.

By May 1915, what was the minimum height and age soldiers had to be?

By May 1915, soldiers only had to be 5ft 3in and the age limit was raised to 40.

What did the army agree to in July?

In July the army agreed to the formation of “Bantam” battalions.

What were “Bantam” battalions composed of?

Bantam battalions were composed of men between 5ft and 5ft 3in in height.

Why would someone ‘join up’ to serve in a war?

Reasons why men volunteered to serve in the armed forces included: Love for their country (patriotism), Friendship, Adventure, Chance of a better life, Feeling forced (Coercion), or having a sense of duty.

What were the Pals Battalions?

Men often went to the recruiting office with their friends and ended up in the same group (or battalion) of the army. A politician called Lord Derby realised that encouraging men to join up with their friends or colleagues was a useful way to recruit even more soldiers. These groups were called “Pals Battalions”.

Would it be good for the army if people already knew each other?

People who already knew each other well would be good for the army- they would look after each other and keep each others spirits up during the hard times.

Was the Pals Battalions idea a success?

Yes- His idea was a success and soon groups of men from the same workplaces, villages, churches and even football teams were joining the army together.

Who was the politician who created the Pals Battalions?

Lord Derby

By the end of September 1914, how many towns had formed Pals Battalions?

By the end of September 1914, over 50 towns had formed Pals Battalions- larger towns and cities formed several battalions each.

What was the first British Football team to sign up as a Pals battalion?

In November 1914, Hearts of Midlothian from Edinburgh became the first British football team to sign up as a Pals battalion.

How many footballers and fans from Hearts of Midlothian enlisted together and where?

Sixteen footballers and many of their fans enlisted together in the 16th Royal Scots and First Royal Scots to fight in France.