National Service Acts enlistment notice (Form N.S.12A) of R Ollington, dated 21 January 1948

Over two million men were called up for National Service between 1946 and 1963, the majority of whom served in the Army. Although World War Two was over, Britain's global commitments were extensive and increasing. Wartime conscripts wanted to return to civilian life as soon as possible, and Britain was about to lose her traditional pool of manpower from India, but the government still needed soldiers. Without National Service, Britain would not have been able to maintain its overseas presence.

The government initially imposed an 18-month period of service on conscripts, but this was later extended to two years with three and half on the Reserve. By 1951 around 50% of the Army's strength consisted of National Servicemen. They came from all walks of life and from all social backgrounds. National Servicemen served in the scorching deserts of Palestine, Egypt and Aden, the humid jungles of Malaya and the icy hills of Korea. A total of 395 National Servicemen were killed on active service in these areas. Many conscripts considered their service as the best years of their lives and gained new friendships, new skills and the experience of foreign travel. Others saw it as a dreadful experience to be reluctantly endured at best.