Enlistment to discharge

[mothman]

According to the "Pension Records" my great uncle Robert Thirlwell enlisted on 9th February 1916, had a medical examination on 11th August 1916, attested 29th August 1916, and was discharged on medical grounds on 15th September 1916 (he had a useless right arm and hand caused by an old injury). Total service was 18 days, ie from attestation to discharge. Was it unusual to have such a long period from enlistment to attestation? What would his status have been during this time, in the army or not?

Ian Thirlwell

[Petroc]

Ian,

I would suspect that he was either subject to the provisions of the Derby Scheme or was a conscript, and was formally & legally deemed to have 'enlisted' in Feb 1916 but not actually called-up to serve in person (and therefore to physically 'attest') until later that year

[Chris_Baker]

Derby Scheme, and in between he was in Section B Army Reserve.

Conscription did not begin until 2 March 1916 for single men.

[Petroc]

Derby Scheme, and in between he was in Section B Army Reserve.

Conscription did not begin until 2 March 1916 for single men.

Somewhat embarrassed that I forgot when conscription was actually first enforced....Doh!

[mothman]

Many thanks for the replies.

Ian