The British Homefront (1914-1918) By jonaskeat Aug 2, 1914 WAR. Britain begin recruiting young soldiers. 500,000 join by september. Period: Aug 2, 1914 to Apr 15, 1918 Military developments on the hoemfront Aug 8, 1914 DORA (The Defense Of the Realm Act) introduced. Government now able to take over industry and land for the war effort. Dec 16, 1914 First Civilian Bombings in britain , 119 people killed in scarborough Jan 19, 1915 First air raid by German Zeppelin. May 31, 1915 First Zeppelin raids on London. Jul 10, 1915 Munitions Crisis: shortage of shells on bullets on the front line, women are given jobs in factories to combat it. Jan 25, 1916 Consription introduced in Britain. May 16, 1916 Conscription now includes married men. Jul 1, 1916 Battle of the Somme begins. Nov 18, 1916 Battle of the Somme ends Nov 19, 1916 Public criticism of the war begins. Dec 7, 1916 Lloyd George comes to power, focusing all efforts on the war. Feb 1, 1917 Germany begins another submarine raid campaign. Apr 1, 1917 U-boats sink 4 british merchant ships in the Atlantic Apr 1, 1918 The entire country is subjected to meat and cheese rationing.