Why post-war National Service still matters today

Today marks the 60th anniversary of the demobilisation of the last National Serviceman in the UK.  More than two million men served during this period of conscription following the end of the Second World War, and 395 National Servicemen were killed during active service. Their names are inscribed on the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, where there is also the National Service Memorial.

National Service was introduced in 1947 as a response to a manpower shortage in the Armed Forces.  Able-bodied men aged 18-26 were conscripted to serve in the Armed Services, with some exceptions including those with specific health concerns or job roles.

Once assigned to the British Army, Royal Navy, or Royal Air Force, they received 6-8 weeks of basic training. Young men from across the country and from a wide range of experiences and social backgrounds lived and trained together at close quarters and had to quickly adapt to military life and discipline.  Initially service was 18 months, but in 1950 during the Korean War (1950-53) it was increased to two years.  

Because of National Service, many older men in Scotland today have ‘veteran’ status, which opens the door to extra opportunities and support in later life. These include high quality social and activities opportunities, practical and health-related support, and consumer discounts through schemes such as the Defence Discount Card.  Yet many National Servicemen don’t realise that they are officially considered veterans, and so miss out. 

If you, or someone you know, did National Service, a great starting place for finding out what’s available is the website of Unforgotten Forces, Scotland’s charity partnership supporting older ex-Armed Forces men and women.  There, you’ll be introduced to range of veterans’ support charities and projects, can read and subscribe to the Unforgotten Forces magazine, and download and order the Veterans Guide to Later Life in Scotland.