Enemy Aliens

From Friend to Foe

When war broke out, hate propaganda was the order of the day. Alleged German atrocities in Belgium, the bombardment of Hartlepool, Scarborough and Whitby by German warships in December 1914, and the sinking of the passenger ship ‘Lusitania’ in May 1915, were all grist to the mill. Economic wartime problems and the continuing heavy loss of life kept the negative narrative going.

The Aliens Restriction Act

The Aliens Restriction Act was introduced on 5 August 1914.

All foreign nationals had to register at their local police station and give details of nationality, occupation, appearance, residence and ‘service of any foreign government’. Enemy aliens were banned from owning firearms, signalling equipment, homing pigeons, cameras and naval or military maps.

Failure to register on time could result in a £100 fine (the average male annual earnings 1913-1914 was £94) or six months in prison.

By 1915 the entire east coast and fifty miles inland had been designated a prohibited area. Enemy aliens had to obtain special permission to remain and were prevented from changing their name or the name of their business.

Travel restrictions meant more than just an inconvenience for many. Families could no longer see each other without seeking prior permission, and businesses struggled to visit clients.

Female Enemy Aliens

British women who married foreign men were legally deemed to adopt their husband’s nationality. Even if a woman was widowed or separated, she would remain an alien subject.

The Aliens Restriction Act brought many British-born women to court who had been unaware of their alien status and failed to register.