How old?

[DeComyn]

Can anyone tell me how old you would need to be to join the army in the 1870/80s and also how long you would need to be in to get a pension - is it the same as the 14 years today?
Thanks

[manmack]

drummer boys as young as 12,boy soldiers 14/15,but their service doesnt count till they are 18,but some were paid a mans pay if they had been decorated for gallantry,not sure about pensions,12yrs or more definately,some gallantry awards carried an annual annuity,mack

[DeComyn]

Thanks a lot Mack, that's a real help.