Reserved occupation
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A reserved occupation is an occupation considered important enough to a country that those serving in such occupations are exempt or forbidden from military service. In a total war, such as the Second
Badge given to a steelworker in 1915 to show that he was in a reserved occupation, and thus avoid receiving "white feathers" from women.
Home Guard (United Kingdom)
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The Home Guard was an unpaid armed citizen militia supporting the 'Home Forces' of the British Army during the Second World War. Operational from 1940 to 1944, the Home Guard comprised more than 1.5 m
Reserved occupation
…began to work more in industries such as munitions. This meant that men were free to join other organisations such as the Special Constabulary, the Home Guard or the ARP. It also allowed for men to join up and give them responsibilities towards the war effort, as well as allowing for them to be less stressed…
Home Guard post at Admiralty Arch in central London, 21 June 1940
Lt Gen Lashmer Whistler (General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command) with local Home Guard commanders at Oswestry, 1954
A member of a Montgomeryshire Home Guard unit in 1941
Recruitment poster for the Ashtead Home Guard