Demob Collection

Post-War Recruitment
Poster asking employers to take on men who have served during the First World War, featuring a personal plea from Douglas Haig

Demobilisation after Wwi
Scenes at Crystal Palace at the end of the WWI showing soldiers demobilising at a rate of over 4000 a day

Troops from the British Army of the Rhine (BOAR) leaving the Empire Lance at the Mulberry Dock in Hull, preparing for demobilisation and some returning home on leave. 16th August 1946

Drawing their civilian clothing from the Clothing Depot, Olympia, Colonel C.W Baker (left) tries on a jacket, and Lieutenant Colonel W.P. Britton (right) a hat

56 year old Gunner, John Malpas, is being demobbed tomorrow. His group number is 1. He was handshaked by his pals. But the one he will miss the most of all is the puppy, prince

How Tommy changes from Khaki into Civvies when he is discharged. Every day about 40, 000 men are being discharged from the Army

WW2 Poster -- Your Release can be delayed with VD
Your Release can be delayed with VD! Colour lithograph, British Army anti-venereal disease medical information poster, after 2nd Lieutenant Stacey Hopper

Apres la Guerre no. 5 - postcard drawn by George Ranstead
Humorous drawing on a postcard by George Ranstead, an amateur soldier artist of the Great War. This image, one of a series suggesting what life might be like at the end of the war

From khaki to civvies, end of WW1
A tailor measures a demobbed soldier for civilian clothes after his return from the Great War. Date: 1919

Football boots advertisement, end of WW1
An advertisement for Super football boots from W. Abbott & Sons of the Strand and Regent Street. The advert suggests to officers that a pair would make a perfect gift to express appreciation of their

1000 Class B have been released from the Army at Olympia, London. Among them are plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers - men of all trades who are required for Britains housing drive during the winter

Demobilization leaflet for soldiers
A printed demobilization leaflet for soldiers, Army Form Z 70, explaining why, although the Armistice has been signed, demobilisation must be a gradual process because of the large numbers involved

War Office letter to Mrs G G Ranstead, from the Director General of Mobilization, concerned the expected demobilisation of men who enlisted in 1914 and 1915. 11 June 1919

The Lighter Side by Bernard Hugh
A Tommy (on furlough pending discharge): Blimey! I should fancy I had my bathing costume on. A soldier returning home weighed down with a greatcoat, boots, rifle

Kenilworth Cigarettes ad, World War I
Advertisement for Kenilworth Cigarettes with an illustration by Fred Pegram depicting a soldier saying goodbye to his wife or sweetheart before he departs for the Front by train

Over the Top by Bernard Hugh
The demobilisation of the army at the end of World War I was a slow process as this picture, from January 1919 confirms. Some units remained to police the Rhineland region

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"Demob: Transitioning from War to Peace" Post-War Recruitment: As the dust settled after WWI, nations faced the challenge of demobilizing millions of soldiers and reintegrating them into civilian life. Demobilisation after WWI: The process of demobilization began, marking a significant turning point in history as soldiers returned home and sought to rebuild their lives. "Your Release can be delayed with VD": A striking WWII poster reminded troops that contracting venereal diseases could prolong their release from service, urging them to prioritize their health. From Khaki to Civvies - End of WWI: After years spent in military uniforms, soldiers eagerly shed their khaki attire for civilian clothing as they celebrated the end of World War I. Football Boots Advertisement - End of WWI: With peace restored, an advertisement showcased football boots as a symbol of normalcy returning to society post-war. Troops Leaving Empire Lance at Mulberry: British Army troops stationed in Germany's Rhine region bid farewell to the Empire Lance at Mulberry, signifying their departure from active duty and imminent return home. Drawing Civilian Clothing from Clothing Depot, Olympia: At London's Clothing Depot in Olympia, Colonel C oversaw the distribution of civilian clothing to demobilized soldiers eager for a fresh start outside military garb. Gunner John Malpas' Demob Day Tomorrow: After 56 years serving his country, Gunner John Malpas eagerly awaited his demobilization day tomorrow with group number 1 – ready for a new chapter ahead. Tommy's Transformation from Khaki into Civvies upon Discharge: Witnessing Tommy change out of his khaki uniform into civilian clothes upon discharge was symbolic not only for him but also represented hope and peace prevailing over war-torn times. Plumbers among 1000 Class B Released at Olympia.