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Friends joining up at the beginning of the First World War
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Friends joining up at the beginning of the First World War
Friends joining up at the beginning of the First World War. Following the outbreak of war in August 1914 the newly appointed Secretary for War Lord Kitchener issued his first call to arms. This was for 100, 000 volunteers, aged between 19 and 30.
The call to arms was augmented by the decision to form units that became known as Pals Battalions. General Henry Rawlinson initially suggested that men would be more willing to join up if they could serve with people they already knew. Two thirds of the battalions raised during the first two years of the war were locally-raised Pals battalions. Several of these battalions suffered heavy casualties during the Somme offensives of 1916.
20th September 1914
Staff
Daily Mirror
Mirrorpix
London
Greater London
England
Media ID 21646749
© Mirrorpix
Excitment Men Only Recruitment Small Group Of People World War One 1910s War And Conflict
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Friends joining up at the beginning of the First World War
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This poignant print captures a significant moment in history, as friends gather together to answer their country's call to arms at the outbreak of the First World War. In August 1914, Lord Kitchener, newly appointed Secretary for War, issued a rallying cry for 100,000 volunteers aged between 19 and 30. To encourage enlistment, General Henry Rawlinson proposed the formation of Pals Battalions – units where men could serve alongside their friends and acquaintances. This camaraderie was believed to inspire greater willingness to join up. Remarkably, two-thirds of all battalions raised during the war's initial years were these locally-raised Pals battalions. However, this display of unity came with great sacrifice. Many of these close-knit units would go on to endure heavy casualties during the brutal Somme offensives in 1916. The photograph evokes mixed emotions; excitement tinged with trepidation as these young men embark on an unknown journey that will forever change their lives. It serves as a reminder not only of their bravery but also highlights how war can bring people together in unexpected ways. As we reflect upon this image from September 20th, 1914 - part of our collective memory - let us honor those who answered duty's call and paid an unimaginable price for freedom and peace.
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