Honour, Allegiance and Remembrance. A Soldier’s Story
By Rachel Silverson
May 2013 saw the 50th Anniversary of the end of National Service in the United Kingdom, and we have witnessed new discussions about the Armed Forces and the role of citizenship in this country and its resonance in difficult economic circumstances. There are arguments on both sides for re-introducing National service. Some say it would enable young people to learn new skills and to understand their role as UK citizens; others view it as negative as a mandatory activity. Whatever your view, the discussion is timely in light of the re-branding of the Territorial Forces, and the increased recruitment of volunteers into the Reserve forces.
At Firing Line (Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier), our primary objective is to tell the stories of ordinary Welshmen who have committed to serving their Country. The museum reflects on and represents the proud and distinguished service of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards and The Royal Welsh, which stretches over 300 years and continues in Afghanistan today. The Museum preserves past and present history for future generations to understand why ordinary people are prepared to do extraordinary things and carry out outstanding acts of bravery.
The recent tragic death of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich, London, has seen a surge in support for the Armed Forces and organisations such as Help for Heroes; a Charity founded to help those soldiers who have become wounded and are struggling in their battle against Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Many of our soldiers are returning from Afghanistan with multiple wounds (physical and emotional) and require support throughout their rehabilitation. Further to this, there is a need for support for the families who find themselves in the situation of having to pick up the pieces of the trauma that has been encountered. These sad events provide an opportune moment to consider the contributions of UK soldiers.
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The National Service Act was passed in 1948, and between 1945 and 1963 approximately 2.5 million men between the ages of 17 and 21 were conscripted for service. This equated to 6000 men being called up every fortnight. There were several exemptions to inclusion within the National Service scheme with people committed to the Farming and Mining Industries, or the Merchant Navy being exempt from service. The initial call-up period was 18 months, with most men serving in a Peacekeeping role.
Conscription has been a historically implemented initiative that can be tracked to the First and Second World Wars, in the form of War Service or Military Service. This took place following the
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