Called Up 1939

Assorted Bott documents and cap badge

Grade Card Nov 1939

Under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act 1939, Bott's Grade Card shows that on 7 Nov 1939, aged '21 years, 212 days', he reported to the Victoria Hall in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent and was examined by the Hanley Medical Board. He is described on the Grade Card as 5' 9⅝" tall, fair haired, and with blue eyes - he actually had some of the bluest eyes I have ever seen.

He is graded as 'I (one)'. So passed as fit.

National Service Armed Forces Act 1939 Grade Card, reverse

The National Archives explains that:

'Following the outbreak of the Second World War, the Military Training Act 1939 was superseded by the National Service (Armed Forces) Act 1939, which imposed a liability to service with the armed forces on men aged between 18 and 41 years... 

All men and women liable for conscription were registered at employment exchanges or other employment offices, medically examined, and issued with directions appropriate to their required military duties.'

'Explanatory Notes' from Act of Parliament 1939

In the 'Explanatory Notes' from the Act of Parliament of 1939, item number 6 explains the Medical Examination.

In the 1939 Register he is described as a 'Telecommunications Instrument Adjuster' and as serving with 'A.F.S. (Hanley PO Tele)'. A.F.S is the Auxiliary Fire Service.