There was a shortage in manpower in the aftermath of the Second World War. As a result, Wartime Conscription, known as National Service, was brought in from 1947 for men of military age (18-30). The servicemen undertook 6 weeks of basic training. Once enlisted they were issued their equipment. It was common for the unforms not to fit the servicemen correctly.
Officers who did four years or more on a short service commission were able to train in a speciality. Some servicemen received specific training in engineering for example. There was a hole list of specific training they had the choice to undertake.
They trained in the army ways of life and many men were thrown into combat situations for the first time, such as Malaya.
This uniform belonged to 2nd Lieutenant Michael Everitt (456938), a National Service Officer. Michael commissioned in 1957 and served in Malaya in 1958 with the Regiment. The Foresters took part in the final stages of intense jungle fighting against communism. The Regiment then left for Singapore before returning to the UK in 1961. Whilst with the Foresters Michael served in Head Quarters Company as Admin Officer in 1959. After his National Service he went into the Reserves for The Sherwood Foresters until 1974. Michael would have witnessed the amalgamation of the Sherwood Foresters with the Worcestershire Regiment in 1970.
National Service came to an end in 1963. In total almost 2 million men were called up. And 395 National Servicemen were killed on active service.
The uniform of 2nd Lieutenant Michael Everitt is now on display in our museum gallery at Nottingham Castle.