Pre-Conscription:
- The BEF did not have the necessary manpower to make a significant contribution
- British and Commonwealth forces numbered millions compared to the professional force of over 100,000.
- Each town was asked to provide a battalion of men for the war effort in September 1914
- Pals battalions played an impotant role in the Somme.
Conscription and recruitment problems in 1915-16:
- A force of 70 divisions was needed to stop the Germans from enjoying an overall advantage
- Lord Derby was placed in charge of a scheme where every 18-41 was asked to promise to join up if they were needed. Only half of single men and 40% of married men were willing to do so.
- Military Service Act 1916- calling up of single men. Further developed to include marrried men by the Second Military Act.
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