Joined RWF 12/8/1890

[cnerys]

Hi, I don't know if anyone can enlighten me,I have just discovered a brother to my GGgrandfather had joined the RWF in 1890. I think it was 23rd Reg/Btn  . What is puzzling me is on his attestation form Number 17 question asked if 'he' had received notice to sign up. I understand why men were given notice for WW1 and WW2, but what would the notice be for in 1890. The person in question seems to have paid £10 to be discharged on 4/10/1890 would this have been a normal thing to do? it is quite a puzzle to me.
Kind Regaards
Nerys

[Jebber]

That was the time of the Boer War.

[ShaunJ]

That was the time of the Boer War.

No it wasn't!  The first Boer War was 1880-1881, The second Boer War was 1899-1902.

[Jebber]

That was the time of the Boer War.

No it wasn't!  The first Boer War was 1880-1881, The second Boer War was 1899-1902.

You are quite right, I miss read the date cnerys posted.

[MaxD]

The "notice" that is referred to in his attestation form is a document explaining the terms and conditions of service that he is about to sign up for.  It also had the date you agreed to report for duty so you could go home and sort out leaving dates from employment if necessary.  You signed for this form and the name of the recruiter was on the form also to avoid some one later saying he didn't understand what he was in for.

Discharge by purchase was "normal" .  I am unsure what the actual scale of payment was at the time but the earlier a man decided to go the cheaper it was, he obviously didn't like being chased around at he Depot where he went for training.

MaxD

[cnerys]

Thank you for the replies. I also thought the person didn't like what he'd signed up for!! The document was a chance finding, so I might not have a clue what went on but it is a good record to find.
Kind Regards
Nerys

[MaxD]

Just rounding it off, he was signing up to the regular army.  At the time, like most infantry regiments, the RWF had just two regular battalions, 1st and 2nd, although he started, as was normal, at the depot at Wrexham.
MaxD

[cnerys]

Thank you MaxD, much appreciated your input.
Kind regards
Nerys