Would you?

[JBR]

My mother-in-law has become interested in the history of the First World War and she (and my wife) are planning to go to Flanders later this year to see the battlefields.

A hundred years ago, almost every fit man of suitable age (and many who were under-age) volunteered to go and fight when the call came.

This got us talking about whether things would be the same should this happen again today. Of course, things would be completely different and millions fighting in trenches would not happen but, disregarding such matters, the question remains.

Would all young and fit men volunteer to fight another country threatening our freedom, should a 'First World War' happen again today?

My response would be almost certainly no, for various reasons. One major difference, I think, is that many people these days do not have the same pride in their country that people did a hundred years ago. In fact, to be honest, I'm afraid this doesn't feel like my country any more, as it did when I was a youngster fifty years ago.

How do others feel? Would you volunteer to sign up?

 

[handyjack]

I would not volunteer. But only because I did 12 years and am now 65, so they would not take me back.

Would need National Service to get some of todays cretins into the forces. That said, I am sure there would still be a few willing to do their time. Unless the Greens got in, in which case we would have no armed forces.

 

[sooey]

The thing is if you volunteered and went over there to fight them, How do you know they're going to go over their to fight you?
They'd probably stay here and take your job.

 

[Burnerman]

Somewhat off topic JBR but I do this pilgrimage almost every year.....
Here's a short excursion, for the first time that may be worth considering.
Go to Ypres (Ieper), experience the Menin Gate ceremony at 8pm nightly;
Check out Hill 62, Paschendale, Tyne Cott cemetary, Hooge Crater;
Head for the Somme via Vimy Ridge, then Beaumont Hamel, Thiepval and on to Albert - right on the front line.
Loads more!
John

 

[DeletedUser]

I would not volunteer. But only because I did 12 years and am now 65, so they would not take me back.

Would need National Service to get some of todays cretins into the forces. That said, I am sure there would still be a few willing to do their time. Unless the Greens got in, in which case we would have no armed forces.

God save the queen?Exactly why I would not volunteer.Brainwashed pride to save the privileged few.No thanks.

 

[JBR]

Somewhat off topic JBR but I do this pilgrimage almost every year.....
Here's a short excursion, for the first time that may be worth considering.
Go to Ypres (Ieper), experience the Menin Gate ceremony at 8pm nightly;
Check out Hill 62, Paschendale, Tyne Cott cemetary, Hooge Crater;
Head for the Somme via Vimy Ridge, then Beaumont Hamel, Thiepval and on to Albert - right on the front line.
Loads more!
John

Thanks for that useful information. I'll forward it to my first wife!

 

[JBR]

I would not volunteer. But only because I did 12 years and am now 65, so they would not take me back.

I, too, am far too old now at 62. Even so, although I served for a few years in the RAF, I'm not sure I'd volunteer now even if I were younger as this isn't my country any more.

Sad, I know, but I feel that events over the past couple of decades have probably caused irreversible harm to this country. I know, I'll probably be criticised for being defeatist!

 

[Whitespirit66]

I have the utmost respect for those of both world wars who fought, as well as those in other conflicts, before and after. Sometimes, I imagine these brave men and boys spinning in their graves (if they are lucky to have one) at how we have squandered their legacy of peace and freedoms. Both of which were earned with massive sacrifice, and then casually disposed of. I wonder what they would make of the conchy apologists on here who rail against any sense of national unity, solidarity or anything that reinforces a united, secure society.

However, would I fight now? Not in a million years for this country. Sad to say, we have all been sold down the river, and I would not risk my hide for more of the same. Who or what would I be fighting for?

I'm still up for the struggle on the home front - not if, but when it comes. I would enlist yesterday to fight the 'enemy within', if I thought it would cleanse this infected isle.

 

[Dextraneous]

I'm currently reading this. It paings a very interesting picture about home grown propaganda which seems to fit current trends too.

 

[Micilin]

I would fight to protect the country but not a monarchy.

In the light of WWI being between cousins , they were part of the cause.

 

[gigz]

I wouldn't fight for this country. If you seriously think about it, what would you be fighting for ? Its not our country anymore.

 

[joe-90]

When all of the world's people are distributed all over the world then there won't be any world war. The world today is a melting pot and you can't put the genie back in the bottle.

 

[wotan]

I wouldn't fight for this country. If you seriously think about it, what would you be fighting for ? Its not our country anymore.

That saddens, me that people think that way, this is still a great country and worth fighting for, the damage was done when most of out traditions were given away, and political correctness took over, we need to regain our identity, and stop pandering to the minorities.

Wotan

 

[Whitespirit66]

I would fight to protect the country but not a monarchy.

The monarchy, as an institution, is one of the things that's still worth something in this country and is admired worldwide. There's a big difference between the institution of monarchy and some of the personalities who are the current incumbents. QEII hasn't put a foot wrong, and her reign will go down as one of the most successful.

It's not the monarchy that have trashed this country and made it a former shadow of itself and home of parasites, crims and terrorists. The Queen has no real power.It's the lefty, republican, anarchist, mindless, envious wreckers that have fcked up this country. They used to just be involved with student and trade unions as well as town halls. Since these cretins got their hands on the levers of power, it's been a disaster.

 

[footprints]

I read "All quiet on the western front" recently one of those must read books that really is good unlike so much over hyped literature.

My answer to the question don't think there would be any rush, in 1914 they had no idea what they were letting themselves in for, these days we are much better informed.

Myself at 65 I'm not much good even as cannon fodder