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Over the Top by Bernard Hugh
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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, and were topped up by regulars, but the rest would be divided up for demobilisation according to priority. Civil servants - the ones who would administer the return of so many men to the workforce - went first, followed by pivotal men (the job creators) and then slip men (who had notes from employers promising work). The system was flawed, allowing more recent recruits to demob earlier than longer serving soldiers, but after the 1918 General Election, the process became speedier
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Media ID 4474791
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10429077
Bernard Civilian Civilians Climbing Demob Demobbed Demobilisation Home Coming Hugh Jobs Ladder Metaphor Return Work Force 1919 Ww 1
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph by Bernard Hugh, titled 'Over the Top,' captures the poignant moment of demobilization for soldiers at the end of World War I, as they make their way home after years of service. The scene, set in January 1919, illustrates the slow and methodical process of demobilization, with civil servants having already been released to administer the return of soldiers to the workforce. The men in this image, clad in their uniforms and carrying their belongings, are part of the second wave of demobilization, following the pivotal men who held key roles in industries and businesses. The system, while imperfect, prioritized those with employment prospects, allowing them to demob earlier than longer-serving soldiers. This metaphorical 'ladder' represented the path to demobilization, with each rung bringing soldiers closer to their civilian lives. The demobilization process became more efficient following the 1918 General Election, but for many soldiers, the journey home was a long and arduous one. This historical image serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers during the war and the challenges they faced in returning to civilian life.
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