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Some of the Militiamen from Birmingham and the Midlands arriving at Whittington barracks
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Some of the Militiamen from Birmingham and the Midlands arriving at Whittington barracks
Some of the Militiamen from Birmingham and the Midlands arriving at Whittington barracks, Lichfield, this morning, to begin their six months training 15th July 1939
The Militiamen were the result of The Military Training Act 1939 which was an Act of Parliament passed by the Conservative administration on 26 May 1939, in a period of international tension that led to World War II. The Act applied to males aged 20 and 21 years old who were to be called up for six months full-time military training, and then transferred to the Reserve..
Men called up were to be known as militiamen to distinguish them from the regular army. To emphasise this distinction, each man was issued with a suit in addition to a uniform. The intention was for the first intake to undergo six months of basic training before being discharged into an active reserve. They would then be recalled for short training periods and attend annual camps.
There was one registration under the Act, of the first cohort of liable males, on Saturday 3 June 1939, and call-up for these men followed
Staff
Birmingham Post and Mail Archive
Mirrorpix
Lichfield
Staffordshire
England
Media ID 21841588
© Mirrorpix
1939 Coats Men Only Officers Recruitment Recruits Suitcase Thirties Warwickshire War And Conflict West Midlands
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in history - the arrival of some of the Militiamen from Birmingham and the Midlands at Whittington barracks on July 15,1939. These young men were embarking on their six months of intensive training, as mandated by The Military Training Act 1939. During this period of international tension that ultimately led to World War II, males aged 20 and 21 years old were called up for full-time military training before being transferred to the Reserve. To distinguish them from the regular army, these individuals were known as militiamen and each was issued with a suit alongside their uniform. The aim was for these recruits to undergo basic training followed by discharge into an active reserve. They would then be periodically recalled for further training sessions and annual camps. This Act marked a crucial step towards strengthening Britain's defense capabilities during those uncertain times. The photograph not only showcases the determined faces of these young men but also serves as a poignant reminder of their commitment to serve their country. It is a testament to their bravery and willingness to sacrifice personal comforts for national security. As we look back upon this historical image, it reminds us of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during wartime and honors those who answered the call to duty without hesitation or reservation.
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