大象传媒

Boy Soldiers
Large families often provided the manpower for the Regiments serving in the outposts of the British Empire. Among these were many youngsters who enlisted at the ages of 14 to 17 years, and served for long periods away from their homes.
It would be quite common especially during world wars for several members of a family to serve in the same Regiment.
Boy Soldiers had to sign papers at enlistment to serve for 9 years with the Colours and 3 years on the Reserve. This meant that this service did not commence until he had attained the age of 18 years. A boy enlisting at 15 years therefore could not complete his terms of service until he had completed 12 years with the Colours.
I am the last of my family who served in a Scottish Regiment as a Boy Soldier. For a period of 82 years from 1864 a member of my family was serving somewhere in the British Empire.
My Grandfather served in The Cameronians for 29 years. The others being my Father, three Uncles,and a cousin served in the Q.O. Cameron Highlanders commencing as Boy Soldiers. Between us we had about 140 years regular army service. Another cousin served with The Scots Greys enlisting as a Boy Soldier.
Why am I interested in this page ? I'll write a short story about what happened to me during my time with The Regular Army. No horror but rather how kindness in time of war can be found in the most unexpected places.

This story has been submitted to the People's War archive by Wolverhampton Libraries & Archives on behalf of the author who fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

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