My grandfather (who was called up in the Second World War and served in the RAF) used to say that doing National Service was not something anyone should be proud of. Why would he believe that? I asked my research assistant and these were the suggestions that they came up with…
“Your grandfather’s perspective on National Service, particularly in the context of his experience during the Second World War, can be understood through several lenses.
“Compulsion vs. Volition: During the Second World War, conscription was mandatory. Many individuals, including your grandfather, were called up to serve without a choice. Being forced into service can lead to a sense of resentment or disillusionment. The pride often associated with military service might stem from a voluntary decision to serve, rather than being compelled by the state.
“Trauma and Hardship: Military service, especially during wartime, can be traumatic. The experiences of combat, witnessing death and destruction, and enduring harsh conditions can leave lasting scars. These experiences might overshadow any sense of pride, leading to a more negative view of the service.
“Political and Moral Ambiguities: The Second World War, despite its portrayal as a ‘just war’ against tyranny, involved significant moral and ethical dilemmas. Bombing campaigns, civilian casualties, and the complexities of post-war geopolitics could contribute to a more critical view of one’s role in the conflict. Your grandfather might have grappled with these complexities and found it difficult to reconcile his service with a sense of pride.
“Post-War Realities: After the war, many veterans returned to a society that struggled to reintegrate them. The transition to civilian life could be challenging, with issues such as unemployment, mental health problems, and a lack of support. These difficulties might colour one’s view of their service.
“Generational and Personal Views: Different generations and individuals hold varied perspectives on military service. Your grandfather might have been part of a cohort that viewed national service as a duty rather than an achievement. Personal experiences, including the context in which he was raised and his personal values, would also shape his views.
“In sum, your grandfather’s belief that National Service was not something to be proud of likely stemmed from a combination of being conscripted rather than volunteering, the traumatic experiences of war, moral and political ambiguities, difficult post-war adjustments, and personal or generational views on military service.”
From what I knew of my grandfather, the loss of his eldest brother in the First World War certainly affected him. That war had fundamentally been a conflict between three cousins’ personal empires – Kaiser Wilhelm II, King George V, and Czar Nicholas II. Each was responding to a need to grow their economies and WW1 was, at least in major part, the consequence. My grandfather had been an active socialist and Unionist by the 1920s, and while he was a public servant throughout his life until his 60s, he had strong anti-monarchy/anti-imperial views. (He refused to accept his Imperial Service Medal from the Queen at Buckingham Palace, insisting that it be awarded to him among his colleagues in Wimbledon Postal Sorting Office.) That National Service was a conscription-based process in the service of what was still an imperial power, I am sure fueled his antipathy towards it. Yes, some people would perform feats of incredible personal daring. However, his brother Percy had done that. (After two years on the front in France as a private and lance corporal, and having survived leading a machine gun unit, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Within four months, it was his job to lead a squad of soldiers up a fortified hill, over the top and into German trenches. He reached the top ahead of his men, as was his job, and was mown down by the machine gun within the trench before his squad could kill them.) I don’t believe my grandfather saw Percy as a ‘hero’ or particularly ‘brave’; I am pretty sure that he saw him as a victim, as a pawn in three grown men’s puerile game of soldiers.
Grandad never spoke to me of pacifism. He had done his duty, though he did it with a particular style of practical cynicism.