Table of Contents

Introduction. Part I. The Origins 1. The Fyrd and the Militia 2. 1900-20: Volunteers or Pressed Men? Part II. The Strategic Needs 1. The Maritime and the Continental 2. Survival and Success 3. Cold War and Imperial Decline Part III. The Politics 1. Pledges and Pacifism 2. Pulling Together, Mainly 3. `Peacetime’ Conscription Part IV. The Experience 1. The Men 2. The Women 3. Matlos, Squaddies and Erks 4. Wrens, Atts and Waffs 5. Pegs and Holes 6. Officers and Gentlemen 7. Colour, Class and Creed 8. The Exempted and the Rejected 9. The Objectors 10. The Rebels 11. Misfortunes of War 12. Patriots and Neutrals 13. At Sea and Down the Pit 14. Defending the Home Front 15. At the Lathe, on the Land 16. Demob Part V. The Effects Notes and References. Bibliography. Index

About the Author

Roger Broad was conscripted into the Royal Army Educational Corps in 1950-1 before reading Modern History at the The Queen’s College, Oxford. He went into journalism, and was later for 22 years as official of the European Commission and of the European Parliament.