大象传媒

When conscription for compulsory military service was introduced at the start of WW2,who would have thougt it would have enmdured for decades?
For almost twenty years postwar,generations of teenage boys were "called up" for two years National Service in the armed forces.One intake
reported to the regimental depot on January 2nd;despite having been allowed Christmas at home New years Day was spent travelling.Arriving at the depot,the recruits were directed to a huge warehouse,where they were kitted out with uniforms and equipment.
They doubled to barrack rooms,where they were each allocated a bedspace and a locker and introduced to the skill of "boxing" the bedding,folding the blankets and pillows in to a tight bundle.
Next the conscripts were introduced to the method in which their webbing kit should be laid out for inspection,all according to Kings regulations and as illustrated in photos on the walls.
That done a Naffi break was announced,a visit to the camp canteen for what could be afforded on 1.40p weekly pay.Tired after their introduction to Army life,the conscripts slept on three biscuits which formed the mattress.
At six am the following morning a bugle sounded Reveille over the Tannoy PA system and after their ablutions the intake learned the art of blancoing,applying a soft coloured oaste to the straps,packs and webbing which formed part of their kit. The blanco,Brasso metal polish,shoe polish and a copy of the Regimental history were all paid for by deductions from their pay.
The life of an eighteen year old National Serviceman!

漏 Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.