National Service

[wl0sgr]

First post on this site so hope its the correct forum.

How do I know if my dad was in national service?

He never mentioned it at all nor did my mam (both dead now).
He was born in 1932 so eligible.
He did have a bad 'lazy' eye  - could that have precluded him?

Mam did threaten not to marry him unless he got it looked at - which he did - after they married (1956)!!
thanks for any advice
Sue

[ScouseBoy]

Welcome to roots hat.     

Did he go to university or was he an apprentice?

[wl0sgr]

He didn't go to university not sure about being an apprentice but I think not.
He had a variety of jobs so no specialism that an apprentice would support.
He worked down the pits for a short while then the shipyards then breweries?

[*Sandra*]

Welcome to RootsChat

Conscription in the United Kingdom has existed for two periods in modern times. The first was from 1916 to 1920, the second was from 1939 to 1960, with the last conscripted soldiers having left the service in 1963. Known as Military Service from 1916 to 1920, the system of conscription from 1939 to 1960 was called National Service, but, between 1939 and 1948, it was often referred to as "war service"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscription_in_the_United_Kingdom

Sandra

[wl0sgr]

Thanks Sandra,

I've looked at various web sites around National Service and it would seem he was eligible.
I just don't know where to go now

[km1971]

If you know where his family lived when he was 21-22 you could check the electoral roll. He may have be away serving.

Ken

[medpat]

Welcome to Roots.

Could he have gone to work at the pits to avoid it as he's just too late to be a Bevin Boy.

He may have been medically unfit as you say and it may not have been his eye. Flat feet is often quoted. 

He could have finished his service by 21 as many went at 18.

[ScouseBoy]

I have been down a pit on an educational visit. If you have an element of claustrophobia it could be quite frightening

[heywood]

Hello and welcome 

https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records/overview

You could try an enquiry here.

The electoral roll seems to be a good option as Ken points out.
Regards
Heywood