what effect did the war have on devon and why was this continuity stressed?

Five of the younger teachers were missing gone into the war. Mr Pike had come in his Naval ensigns uniform; some reflex must have survived Midshipman’s School and brought him back to Devon for the day His face was as mild and hopeless as ever; mooning above the snappy, rigid blouse, it gave him the air of an impostor. ch 6

Many of the boys feel a sense of duty and valor in joining the war effort.