Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Wars and ConflictsΒ  permalink

Demobs

• Message 1.Β 

  Posted by Elkstone (U3836042) on Tuesday, 26th May 2009

  Following demob, could servicemen opt to remain in the services if they wanted to make a career out of it? or had no immediate job or family to got back to? Or was it a case of the forces not being able to cope with the numbers in peace time?

  Link to this forum: Demobs

  Report message1

• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Scriptofacto99 (U3268593) on Tuesday, 26th May 2009

  Yes. My father remained in the army long after his demob was due. However, many did return back to Blighty at the first available opportunity. After 1948 the army was having considerable difficulties retaining these veterans.

  Link to this forum: Demobs

  Report message2

• Message 3

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Jak (U1158529) on Tuesday, 26th May 2009

  Can't say about the immediate post-WW2 period, but I was called up for two years National Service in 1952. At any time during that period I could have "signed on" as a regular for three years - thus immediately receiving double pay.
  
  An NS-man's pay on entry was 28 shillings a week - Β£1 40p in today's money, which, less income tax and insurance etc, came to about Β£1 a week in your hand. From which of course you had to buy Brasso and Blanco, pay for a weekly haircut etc. Even so, very few blokes that I knew took advantage of this wonderful chance to receive double pay.
  
  During our two years we were constantly urged to sign on, and at an interview with an officer just before I was demobbed, the prospect of staying on and having a military career was offered again, in glowing terms. "Er, no thank you, Sir!"

  Link to this forum: Demobs

  Report message3

• Message 4

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by NICK (U1182021) on Tuesday, 26th May 2009

  
  As a WW2Navy veteran when we were all lined up
  to be told that we were being demobbed the P.O
  asked each rating in turn if we were willing to
  sign on again' and some of the lads did, but the
  married men all said no thank you"In words some'
  thing like that".

  Link to this forum: Demobs

  Report message4

• Message 5

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by petaluma (U10056951) on Wednesday, 27th May 2009

  Do not know if all Army conscripts at de-mob were told that they could stay in Army, but for myself in correspondence regarding pay etc was informed that if I wished I could stay in Army, probably RTU, (Return to Unit) unless to be reformed for other duties, on the Korea effort was sent a form to inform of my occupation and work place and never heard from them again. Fact was I don't remember anyone wanting to stay in Army, all glad to get out.

  Link to this forum: Demobs

  Report message5

Back to top