When the welfare system was introduced, perhaps in the days of Henry VIII and Cromwell after the Reformation, and later modified and developed into whatever it became as time passed by ..... anyway, 200 years ago men were recruited in pubs for a shilling, usually when already stone drunk, and sent to HM Forces, be it Navy or Army.
Once the signature was given, or an identifying cross with a witness (the sergeant), that was it!
Others were clubbed down and dragged onto ships.
Convicts were deported to Caribbean islands, to America, to Canada and to Australia.
Now we are not needed! he he
Gov. sends people to sign on ha ha
