Military Training Act 1939 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
|
|
| Long title | An Act to make temporary provision for rendering persons between the ages of twenty and twenty-one years liable to undergo training in the armed forces of the Crown; and for purposes connected with the matter aforesaid. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 2 & 3 Geo. 6. c. 25 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 26 May 1939 |
The Military Training Act 1939 was an important law passed in the United Kingdom. It became law on May 26, 1939. This happened during a time when countries around the world were very tense, which soon led to World War II.
This law said that all young men in the UK, aged 20 and 21, had to join the military for six months of training. After their training, they would become part of a special group called the Reserve. This meant they could be called back to serve if needed. The law also made sure that people who had strong beliefs against fighting (called conscientious objectors) had other options.
This was the first time the UK had a law like this during peacetime. It was meant to be a temporary rule, lasting for three years.
Why the Act Was Needed
In April 1939, the world situation was getting worse. Nazi Germany was becoming very powerful and threatening. Because of this, Leslie Hore-Belisha, who was in charge of the army at the time, convinced the government to start a limited form of conscription. Conscription means that people are required to join the military.
This new law applied to Great Britain, but not to Northern Ireland. Many politicians, especially from the Labour Party, did not agree with the law. They worried it was the start of more conscription.
Who Were the Militiamen?
The young men who were called up under this law were known as 'militiamen'. This name helped to show that they were different from the regular soldiers who were already in the army.
To make this difference clear, each militiaman was given a suit to wear when they were not in uniform. The plan was for these men to get six months of basic training. After that, they would join an active reserve group. They would then come back for short training periods and attend special camps each year.
The Act's Short Life
There was only one group of young men who registered under this law. This happened on June 3, 1939. These men were then called up for training.
However, the Military Training Act did not last long. When World War II officially began in September 1939, a new and bigger law was passed. This new law was called the National Service (Armed Forces) Act 1939. It took the place of the Military Training Act.
