Suffering an inappropriate government

The Isle of Man played a remarkable role during the First World War. Over 8,000 men enlisted, which was 82.3% of the island’s men of military age. Even by the standards of the time this was high. Over 2,000 were either killed or wounded and two Victoria Crosses were awarded.

Then, as now, the island had its own government made up of the elected lower house called the House of Keys and the appointed upper house, or Legislative Council. Unlike today, the Crown-appointed Governor had a great deal of influence over the law, political appointments and the Manx exchequer. Lord Raglan, who had been appointed...