However, Davis notes that 'Alas not all the Volunteers were above "military age" as modified by war conditions, and not all were "crocks" when tested by the lowered standard introduced with the alarums of war. The obviously unfit gradually drifted back to their firesides, the obviously fit found their way into the ranks of the khaki armies.'

This is supported by an article in the 'The Guernsey Weekly Press' of July 17th 1915, from Lance Corporal George Dorey, 46th Co. AOC to Company Commander H.H. Randell, CO of the Guernsey Volunteer Corps, which says 'As an old Volunteer I just let you know that I am well and happy in this company of the AOC, and that owing to the very efficient training I received under you and the other Officers and Instructors I am acting as temporary Instructor to the recruits, and have already got my first stripe. The training given to the GVC I consider the very best preliminary to joining the Army that anyone can possibly have.'

Davis concludes by saying that 'Finally, the introduction of the Military Service Act administered the "coup de grace" and since then the Volunteer Corps has been known no more. Still the Guernsey Volunteer Corps did excellent work as a training unit, as a recruiting unit and as a means of maintaining a feeling of optimism and enthusiasm during the dark days of the war.' It appears to have been succeeded by the Royal Defence Corps, formed in August 1917 from the Home Service Garrison Battalions of 18 Regiments.

Both Jersey and Guernsey appear to have had men in the Royal Defence Corps, and one Jersey member, 12864 Private G. Hanlon, RDC who died on 11th November 1916, is the only Great War casualty to be buried in the Military Cemetery in Howard Davis Park in Jersey. Three Guernsey members of The Royal Defence Corps are buried in Fort George Military Cemetery, Guernsey.

Private George Hanlon, Royal Defence Corps.
St. Helier War Cemetery, Howard Davis Park, Jersey