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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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conscription
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The first occasion on which men were drafted by act of parliament into the British armed forces was in March 1916, during *World War I; the call-up involved men between 18 and 40 (later raised to 45 and then 50). Conscription was reintroduced on 3 September 1939, the day on which World War II was declared, this time for men between 18 and 41 (later raised to 51). Women between 21 and 31 were drafted from 1941. After the war the call-up continued for all young men, who were enlisted for a 2-year period known as national service. The final batch finished their service in 1962.
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