Boy Soldiers - New Facebook Post

by ral104 moderator, scientist

An estimated 250,000 British soldiers enlisted underage. It's not uncommon in the war diaries to see references to men being sent back to base for being under 19.

Posted March 23, 2015 11:09 AM

by cyngast moderator

I've always thought that several of the young "men" on your home page look like they can't possibly be 18.

Posted March 23, 2015 11:24 PM

by ral104 moderator, scientist

I agree. Apparently, recruiting officers were paid for each man enlisted, so there wasn't much motivation for them to ask for birth certificates and the like. I think that some of them might also have thought life in the army might do some of the boys good - fresh air, better food - up to a certain point, not many people would have realised just what they were signing up to.

Posted March 24, 2015 9:39 AM

by cyngast moderator

And, of course, the young always think they are invincible.

Posted March 24, 2015 5:30 PM

by DZM admin

I like the part where the kid's mom sent his birth certificate to the War Office!

Drastic measures after nothing else worked. Good work, Mom! 😃

Posted March 24, 2015 7:48 PM

by ral104 moderator, scientist

I wonder whether he appreciated it or not.

Posted March 26, 2015 10:52 AM