Sapper Albert Edward Fearon died 17/08/1940. The Newcastle Evening Chronicle - Friday 23 August 1940 states he had 6 years Territorial service, which would have made him 14 or 15 on enlistment. What was the age of enlistment into the territorials? Is it, most likely, a miss-print? Casualty
IIRC Minimum age for TA “Man’s Service” was 17 - supported by “age on enlistment” table at P367 in this document - https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:38dc5164-f858-4bba-9bfb-a1c4b4a59550/download_file?file_format=pdf&safe_filename=ORA+A.D.+Jones+D.Phil+Pinchbeck+Regulars.pdf&type_of_work=Thesis My father enlisted Border Regiment TA May 1935 aged 17 years 5 mths. I am also aware that “boys” could enlist aged 14 yrs for service as Drummers - subject to parental consent. Steve EDIT TO ADD His Army service number is from the batch allocated to (Royal) Northumberland Fusiliers so he had previous service prior to joining Royal Engineers.
Buglers too and a lot of orphans from the workhouse..boys aged 14–17 could enlist as buglers, trumpeters, and musicians. Drummer Spencer John `Joe` Bent VC ,MM enlisted into the East Lancashires in 1905, aged 14 ? Fearon news cutting below Kyle
This was tightened up in 1915 and I think 16 was the youngest but one could not go on active service until 19 (temporarily lowered to 18 and a half in mid 1918)
There were definately exceptions because the enlistment books in Durham show plenty of examples ;- Bugler aged 15 enlisted 1930 (Regular) , Bugler aged 15 years and 2 days enlisted 1927 (TA),Band Boy enlisted aged 15 years and 263 days enlisted 1926, Boy (Pte) enlisted aged 14 (Born 1918) 1932 (Regular) (All Durhams) Kyle
