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Registering for Military Training 3rd June 1939. Six thousand five hundred young
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Registering for Military Training 3rd June 1939. Six thousand five hundred young
Registering for Military Training 3rd June 1939.
Six thousand five hundred young men presented themselves at employment exchanges in the Greater Birmingham area on Saturday afternoon and evening to register for military training. Here is a photograph of the work in progress at the Birmingham Central Exchange New Corporation Street.
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
Birmingham
West Midlands
England
Media ID 21840432
© Mirrorpix
1939 Counter Recruitment Thirties Warwickshire Young Men Labour Exchange Register Registering War And Conflict West Midlands
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Registering for Military Training 3rd June 1939: A Glimpse into History". This print captures a significant moment in time, as six thousand five hundred young men gather at the Birmingham Central Exchange New Corporation Street to register for military training on the fateful day of 3rd June 1939. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the events leading up to World War II. The Militiamen depicted here were part of The Military Training Act 1939, which mandated that males aged 20 and 21 undergo six months of full-time military training before being transferred to the Reserve. Distinguished from the regular army, these men were issued with suits in addition to uniforms, symbolizing their unique role. As we gaze upon this historical snapshot, we witness determination etched on each face—a reflection of their commitment and readiness to serve their country during a period marked by international tension. This registration was just the beginning for these young individuals who would soon embark on rigorous basic training before joining an active reserve. Beyond its historical significance, this photograph evokes emotions and prompts us to reflect upon sacrifice and duty. It reminds us that behind every uniform lies a story—stories filled with bravery, resilience, and patriotism. Preserved by Memory Lane Prints, this remarkable image allows us to peer into our past and honor those who answered the call when it mattered most. Let it serve as a timeless testament to courage and unity amidst uncertain times.
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