Hi Polly
Yes, Lord Derby was appointed as Director General of Recruitment in 1915. From what I understand, he was responsible for what became known as the Derby Scheme whereby men could give their voluntary consent to being called up if necessary, as long as married men where called up last. It was designed to boost the flagging number of voluntary recruits, but was only partially succesful and was replaced by conscription the following year, though it appears it did work in Walkern. It’s explained really well on the following site
1914-1918.net
Kind regards
Janet
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Can you tell me why the 3 lions on Lord Derby’s standard are different?
What was ‘Lord Derb’s Reunion? Something to do with WW1?
Thank you
Pauline (Polly) Macmillan nee Swain
Hi Polly
Yes, Lord Derby was appointed as Director General of Recruitment in 1915. From what I understand, he was responsible for what became known as the Derby Scheme whereby men could give their voluntary consent to being called up if necessary, as long as married men where called up last. It was designed to boost the flagging number of voluntary recruits, but was only partially succesful and was replaced by conscription the following year, though it appears it did work in Walkern. It’s explained really well on the following site
1914-1918.net
Kind regards
Janet