All recruits were technically volunteers until January 1916, when men were recruited under the Derby Scheme, which stated that men who voluntarily registered their name would be called upon only when absolutely necessary. Married men were assured that they would be called up only once the supply of single men was exhausted. Single men who refused to sign up were singled out and proclaimed as ‘Slackers’. They were attacked in local press, in council meetings and shunned by local people.

The Derby Scheme proved unworkable and military conscription was brought in via the Military Service act in 1916. The Act specified that single men aged 18 to 41 years old were liable to be called up for military service unless they were widowed with children or ministers of a religion. The law went through several changes before the war ended. Married men were exempt in the original Act, although this changed in June 1916.