"Don Phillipson" wrote in message
...
"'Mike'" wrote in message
...

a bomb dropped on H.M.S.Collingwood. Most were 17 and 18 year olds and
'volunteers'. On their service record the explanation "To serve for the
duration of the present conflict" would have meant that at the end of the
war they would have been released.

There were three ways of joining the RN during WW2:
1. You could volunteer and sign on as a rating for so many
years' service (just as in peacetime.)
2. You could vounteer "To serve for the duration of the present
conflict." These sailors were known as HO men (Hostilities Only.)
3. You could wait to be called up under the National Service Act
(1939) and then request assignment to the RN (or RAF). You might
not get it: most conscripts were assigned to the Army.

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)



It was the same with the 1947 National Service Act. 1.1 Million in the Army,
350,000 in the Royal Air Force and only 140,000 of us into the Royal Navy.

I do an illustrated talk on National Service covering the Bevin Boys and the
Conscientious Objectors as well. Whilst the chaps wanted to forget it in
most cases 'at that time', they now remember it with "fondness" of the
friends made etc. The wives and girl friends of the time wanted to forget it
as well, but are always very interested in my talk when I give it to WI's
and 'Afternoon Groups' etc

Very many thanks to those who have contacted me about those who served at
the time of the 1943 bomb. Even had a 'lad of the time' who heard the bomb
drop. Lots of activity on

http://www.familytreeforum.com/showt...d-bombing-1943

where they have really got stuck in.

Lots of local newspapers have carried the letter as well :-)

'Most' people are so nice. Many thanks to them.

Mike

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I'm an Angel, honest ! The horns are there just to keep the halo straight.

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