I remember that in 1944, while I was still in Italy, there was a huge uproar back in Canada about conscription. There was a huge shortage of volunteers available for service in Europe after the Normandy and Italian campaigns, especially not enough to replace our casualties here. Many times, I have seen wounded men rushed for medical care, and then back to front line because of manpower shortages. In France, infantry and armour units like were at 50% strength. But back in Canada , an entire division of fresh reserve troops was sitting around. In the end, only 2463 conscripts made it to the front lines. Fellow war veterans, do you think that PM King should have allowed conscription?
As a soldier who enlisted willingly, I am torn in between. Conscripted soldiers were complaining day and night about being forced into taking arms. I felt their reluctance to fight, but at the same time, I felt that their discontent was a sign that they did not love their country. Thus, I believed that they would be a hindrance to the soldiers who were voluntarily fighting. King should not have allowed conscription. Unfortunately, Arthur Meighen's idea of conscription just had to come during a time where soldiers were so desperately needed.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I agree with you that King should have not allowed conscription. But I may have to disagree with you in saying that they were reluctant to fight. After being out on the waters for a few days, they started to get into the swing of things and did there part on my ship. The conscripts fell in with the volunteers and worked together to run my ship.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion as a fighter pilot, there weren't many air battles taking place by 1944. Also, I heard that our allies forces were finally taking over the land that was captured by the Germans. This was after our allies captured Normandy and Stalingrad, so the Germans must of nearly depleted in numbers. So in my perspective, I don't really care if King allowed conscription or not.
ReplyDelete(Major Rey Hypolito T.)
ReplyDeleteI partly do agree with you too Michael. I joined the war willingly because I felt that I had a purpose. But to conscript people just like that I think is wrong. Yes we needed more men but that did not mean that we needed to tear men from home! The British are so proud and mighty so why don’t they lend us a few of their men?