Reserved occupation

[1] In 1938, a Schedule of Reserved Occupations was created with the goal of exempting skilled workers from being conscripted into service.

Examples of reserved occupations in the Second World War included coal mining, ship building, railway and dockworkers, farmers, teachers, doctors and lighthouse keepers.

This meant that men were free to join other organisations such as the Special Constabulary, the Home Guard or the ARP.

Also, many pacifists and conscientious objectors worked in reserved occupations as a compromise or to avoid call-up.

Consequently, starting in December 1943, one in ten men conscripted was chosen at random to work in the mines.

Badge given to a steelworker in 1915 to show that he was in a reserved occupation, and thus avoid receiving " white feathers " from women.