A poster explaining the procedure for single men in Glasgow wishing to claim exemption from military service in 1916.
Extensive recruiting campaigns in the early months of the First World War resulted in men flocking to join the armed forces. Despite this, the high number of casualties forced the Government to introduce conscription through the Military Service Act of January 1916. At first, only single men between 18 and 41 were affected, but in May 1916 conscription was extended to married men.
There were a number of categories of exemption. Those regarded as doing work essential to the war effort, including Clyde shipyard workers, were not called up. Physically unfit men were exempt, subject to approval by local tribunals. Conscientious objectors faced punishment and imprisonment.
Reference: First World War posters drawer
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
armed forces, conscientious objectors, conscription, First World War, Military Service Act, 1916, posters, shipyard workers, tribunals
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