Great Britain was still basking in the glory of its Colonial Exploits and recent wars had not affected the stability of the country. As war broke out on 4th August 1914 our army was very small compared to the conscripted armies of Germany and France and as Belgium was invaded there was alarm that our national security and way of life may be affected. The British Army had only the strength of 710,000 men including reserves and 80,000 regular troops ready for war. The Territorial army was mobilised immediately, the Wiltshire Rifle Volunteers having Knoyle men in their ranks. There was a universal desire to serve the country in its time of need and the voluntary nature of recruitment into the armed services between 1914 and the introduction of conscription in 1916 drew men into uniform from every social milieu. Every trade, occupation and class were represented.


The government began a campaign to encourage young men to join the army using the famous Kitchener Posters that have now become iconic “Your Country Needs You” and newspapers with adverts and many were compelled to enlist. It was generally believed that because of our “Superior Might” and past exploits that the war would be over by Christmas. There were many reasons why they chose to enlist, patriotism was acccepted as the main reason but thousands enlisted simply for three square meals a day. Others were pressurised into joining up or even shamed whilst others just wished to escape problems at home. Some sought an adventure with


their


“mates” or joined with work colleagues, or to escape unemployment or for a better future.


Many of the Gentry bought commissions in the Army taking their horses with them, becoming the Officers with a wave of enthusiasm and patriotism.


Horses were requistioned into the war from farmers to be used in the war effort leaving a void in the fields and farms.


The general feeling was that Britain had to be defended against the over-bearing and aggressive Germany and national sovereignty and the international rule of law had to be respected.


None realised the fateful war of attrition and loss of life that would be reality of war. The development of war munitions and trench warfare that lead to the decimation of a generation of young men. Many fit and strong young men were just 18 or above and had not been far from home before they were sent in thousands to the war fronts to face the enemy.


They enlisted locally at Salisbury, Shaftesbury or Devizes signing enlistment papers and going through a medical procedure. The teacher of the school, Mr Barnes, went to sign up but was rejected because of ill health.


In 1916 conscription was introduced to bolster up our armies and many had to leave. In January 1916 conscription became compulsory for single men aged 18-40 and later in May also to married men. A quote from a scholar of the school in later years:


“When I was a boy I heard my elders talking about the war and how one of them was in a ploughing team on the downs when Hannam Miles (Estage Agent for Clouds Estate) appeared with call up papers for one of the team who unhitched his horse and departed for the farm stables with the parting words ‘Bye Bill I shan’t be coming back’. He didn’t within weeks he was dead.”


By the end of the war 1 in 4 of the total male population had joined up which was over 5 million, 2.67 million had joined as volunteers and nother 2.77 million were conscripted after 1916.


The Hull family at Sheephouse Farm in 1916. Edwin Hull is standing at the left and next are Mr Gray, Sammy Matthews, Ted Coombes and other members of the Hull family. Mr Charles Jefford is holding the horses which he hid from the miltary contractors seeking to requisistion suitable horses to the front.


From Daily Mail - 5th August 1914


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