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Post by errolmartyn on Nov 20, 2010 14:59:22 GMT 12
"Yes Dave it took a very special person to volunteer in the first place and not know what would happen in the future."
It needs to be remembered, however, that on 18 June 1940 conscription was introduced. Conscription was not used as a means of manning either the Air Force or Navy, but if one didn't volunteer for either of these then, if fit for military service, the Army became the default option. The horrors many fathers experienced in WWI trench warfare and related to their sons was one reason volunteers for the other two services were so forthcoming.
Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 20, 2010 16:21:21 GMT 12
Sorry Errol, my memory was playing tricks with that age, you're right that it was 21 without consent. I have been talking to too many Army guys lately.
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Post by pjw4118 on Nov 21, 2010 12:03:13 GMT 12
Most of the chaps I have interviewed over the years did get their parents consent to join the RNZAF at 18 but with the threat of a Jap invasion many of the 40/41 group found themselves in Kahki not blue, on airfield and coastal defence. Eventually they were reposted back to start ITW. Mind you they all look young to me now, we have a few Herc pilots come into work and really they could still be at school !!
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Post by oggie2620 on Nov 22, 2010 20:02:28 GMT 12
pjw I know exactly what you mean! I teach 16 year old RAF gunner and they look the same to me!
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