Not all Manxmen were able to join the army and fight, but many of them nonetheless wished to contribute to the war effort. In August 1914, Lord Raglan announced that a National Reserve would be formed, which would practice shooting and drilling, perform important duties at home, and work to fill the gaps left by men on active service. Its name was the Loyal Manx Association.
By 1915, when the name was changed to the Loyal Manx Volunteer Corps, membership stood at nearly 700 members. Men from different backgrounds, classes and occupations worked to guard the government offices, post office, harbours and internment camps alongside their usual jobs.
