RootsChat.Com

General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: vardatintalle on Thursday 06 January 11 19:34 GMT (UK)

Title: age restrictions 19c
Post by: vardatintalle on Thursday 06 January 11 19:34 GMT (UK)

A quick question - my g.g.g.father joined the South Wales Borderers in 1879, when he was 17, and gave his age as 18, is this because under-18s weren't allowed to enlist?

Title: Re: age restrictions 19c
Post by: Redroger on Thursday 06 January 11 20:54 GMT (UK)

Basically yes. They were allowed to enlist in some sectors like drummers and trumpeters etc. The Royal Navy had a rank of Boy 1st Class, which was held by my relative Jack Cornwell VC. At the time of his death in 1916 he was 16 years old.

Title: Re: age restrictions 19c
Post by: vardatintalle on Monday 10 January 11 20:27 GMT (UK)

Thanks for that information  :)