Age enlistement

[quisontils]

Hello, I am starting to search about my relatives during the WWI and WWII. It's a little bit difficult for me who are not english. Can everyone say to me if it's credible a child who was 15 signed with the Army in 1915? Best regards.

[jim1]

Officially no. Many lads lied about their age though & did join. Those that were discovered were sent back to the UK & discharged. Those that didn't stayed & many were killed.
Maybe you could give us his name if you need any further help. Assuming he was from the UK.

[quisontils]

Thank you very much, Jim1. Now, I understand better my mother lied about her age when she joined the France Libre and De Gaulle in 1941 at 16: it was usual in her family! My relative is Walter Frank Bail. He was born in Junuary 1899 in Wandsworth London. It seems he did the WWI and WWII. It would be great if you find someting.

[sgf28]

Walter Frank Bail's army records say he attested on 9th January 1917, gives his date of birth as 4th February 1899 so he was nearly 18 when he joined up.

Gives his next of kin: Clara Ester Bail, mother, 59 Brandenburg Road, Fulham.

Walter didn't have any overseas service, he was discharged 6th March 1918, no longer physically fit for service.

[sgf28]

Walter was flat footed, poor eyesight and poor physique, he managed to get an army pension when discharged.

[sgf28]

1901 Census:
11 Strand on the Green, Pyemont Road, Chiswick

Frank John Bail born 1866 London Middlesex carpenter
Clara Bail born 1866 Maidstone Kent
Walter F Bail born 1899 London Middlesex

[sgf28]

Walter married Winifred L Collingwood

3rd qtr 1925 Fulham
Vol:1A Page:798

He is on 1939 Register with Winifred so I am not swayed he saw active service in World War Two

[SmallTownGirl]

He is on 1939 Register with Winifred so I am not swayed he saw active service in World War Two

A couple of days ago on the 1939 Register I found a household containing two serving soldiers.  The occupation column had their service number and regiment details.  I was surprised to see all that because I'd understood that serving personnel were not listed at all. 

STG

[quisontils]

Thank you, SGF 28. I Probably confused with another Walter Bail who served in WWI  and WWII. Thanks to you I find and decryps more or less the good military folder of my relative. Another question again if I can afford : from when the conscription became mandatory in England? Best regards.