Threats to clampdown on absent recruits seem to be paying off said Defence administrator Larry Burchall.

On Tuesday night, more than 100 recruits turned up for their medical and Mr. Burchall was hopeful of another good turn out last night, but he stressed the pattern would be different.

He said yesterday: “Tuesday night was people who have deferred and we have been in contact all the way along.

“Tonight it's absentees we have not been in contact with. But last night was good going.”

And Regiment commanding officer Lt. Col. Edward Lamb said: “It went extremely well.

“There was well over a hundred. Obviously people are responding to the call. It's very positive. We are hoping for the same tonight.”

Last week Government and the Regiment said draft dodgers would be rounded up wherever they were and their names listed in the Press.

Mr. Burchall said despite Tuesday's success it was too early to rule out a trawl for missing recruits.

He said: “We would like not to do it. It's a hassle for us and a hassle for other people but we are quite prepared.”