Age limit to enlist in the 1890's

[lesley084]

Hi

I wonder if anyone can tell me how old you had to be to enlist in the army in the 1890's

Thanks Lesley

[NEILKE]

hi lesley i cant tell you about the 1890s but i do know my granda joined the army in ww1 at 15 he told them a bit of a fib.
neil

[km1971]

In the regular army you had to be 18 to join as a Private. Each battalion did have a few Boys who were 14 years and above, but most vacancies would have gone to sons of soldiers, or from one of the two miltary schools.

You could join the Militia or Volunteers as a Private aged 17. Although I have seen a few joining a few months before their 17th birthday.

Ken

[lesley084]

Thank you both.
Lesley

[TwiggyTree]

Would these ages also apply to New Zealand enlistment in the 1890s - 1900s ?

[km1971]

All units would be under crown control, so probably. Depends upon the type of unit.

Ken

[TwiggyTree]

I am thinking of a the "Auckland Rifles", a volunteer battalion I believe, formed in 1898; and it's associated brigades.

[km1971]

My guess would be 17. The commander in chief in NZ was the Governor, so the state archives might have something.

Ken

[TwiggyTree]

As a follow up to my NZ enquiry please see this post http://www.rootschat.com/links/0bn3/