Wednesday, 10 February 2016

Poem ~ Compulsory Recruitment Closes In - Thursday, 10 February 1916


Source: File: The Military Service Act, 1916.jpg. [online]  Available at: <http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/28449> [Accessed: 10 February 2016]

Creeping methods of compulsory
Services, had moved on from Derby
Scheme - whose moral conscription
Was to become enforced liability.

1916 had opened with Asquith’s
Bill, setting out a March target -
That, with certain exemptions,
Would call men to king’s colours.

9 February less than a month to
Go, 40,000 poster proclamations
Were sent to all London districts,
To affect all young single men.
           
Eleven classes numbered 2 to 12,
Would pull in men aged 19 to 30 -
To correspond to Earl of Derby’s
Scheme, who could still volunteer.

Working to intentions was military
Authority, in order to train the men
Of same ages - who might join
Voluntarily or be pressed to service.

In importance, emphasised by red
Ink on white, formed a proclamation
Title 'Army Reserve Military Service
Act 1916 for King's entitlement.'

His majesty’s powers substantiated
By Reserve Forces Act 1882, while
War declaration's actions in 1914, all
Led to prime minister being ordered.

Official speak made out the right
To call all army reserves, for period
Of war - men’s birth years would
Decide their class to be called to.

With the words laid out in red
To be penned by Lord Kitchener;
For everyman of a certain age
Became a reservist by the act.

All males, apart from those who
Applied and granted exemption,
Would report to official offices,
For recruitment closest to home.

by Jamie Mann.

Anon.,1916. Men Called Up Under Compulsion Act - Eleven Classes - Ages 19-30. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 10 February 1916. P.9. Col.6. Available at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/12142586/Daily-Telegraph-February-10-1916.html [Accessed: 10 February 2016].



#WW1 #WW1centenary #GreatWar #WW1poem #GreatWar #WW1centenary #worldwarone #worldwaroneremembered #WW1Recruitment

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