National Service (Armed Forces) Act 1939 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act to make provision for securing and controlling the enlistment of men for service in the armed forces of the Crown; and for purposes connected with the matter aforesaid. |
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| Citation | 2 & 3 Geo. 6. c. 81 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 3 September 1939 |
| Other legislation | |
| Repealed by | National Service Act 1948 |
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Status: Repealed
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| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| National Service (Armed Forces) Act 1940 | |
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| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act to provide that persons shall not be exempted from liability under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, 1939, by reason of their being members of the Local Defence Volunteers. |
| Citation | 3 & 4 Geo. 6. c. 22 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 23 May 1940 |
The National Service (Armed Forces) Act 1939 was a very important law passed in the United Kingdom on 3 September 1939. This was the same day that Britain declared war on Germany, starting World War II. This new law made it compulsory for many men to join the armed forces. This is called conscription or national service.
This Act replaced an earlier law from May 1939. It meant that almost all British men between 18 and 41 years old living in Great Britain had to join the military. Later, in 1941, this also included the Isle of Man.
Even after World War II ended in September 1945, this law stayed in place. The government at the time, led by the Labour Party, kept it going until 1948. Then, a new law called the National Service Act 1948 took its place, continuing national service in a slightly different way.
Who Didn't Have to Join?
Not everyone had to join the armed forces under this law. There were some important reasons why people could be excused.
- Health Reasons: People who were medically unfit, blind, disabled, or had mental health conditions did not have to serve.
- New Residents: British citizens who had moved to Great Britain or the Isle of Man less than two years before were exempt.
- Students: People who were still studying were usually not called up.
- Government Workers: People working for the governments of other countries in the British Empire (but not the UK itself) were exempt.
- Religious Leaders: Clergy (like priests, ministers, or rabbis) from any religion did not have to join.
- Women: The law mainly applied to men. Married women and women with young children (under 14) living with them were also exempt. This included their own children, stepchildren, and adopted children. Pregnant women were technically liable but were not called up in practice.
- Conscientious Objectors: People who strongly believed that war was wrong and refused to fight for moral or religious reasons were called Conscientious objectors. They could be excused from military service.
- Essential Jobs: People working in special jobs that were very important for the country during the war were in "reserved occupations." This included jobs like baking bread, farming, working as doctors or nurses, and engineering. These people were needed to keep the country running.
- Living Overseas: Since the law only applied to those physically in Great Britain and the Isle of Man, anyone living outside these areas was also exempt.
See also
- Administration of Justice (Emergency Provisions) Act 1939
