Men were expected to join up in the forces: either voluntarily or by conscription. Some men, however, were not allowed to leave their jobs, which were considered vital to the war effort. Examples would be coal-miners and train drivers. What general name was given to such employment?

The lives of British women and civilians were utterly changed during the Great War. No one could pretend that the war did not affect him or her. Taxes went up, conscription was introduced, and every British citizen seemed to be in direct danger of attack.