Royal Irish Rifles

[BEATHOGS]

Hi Everyone,

I am researching Arthur Boswell b.1883 in London and his Great War service is the subject of a separate thread.

However, can anyone point me in the direction of where to search on the Royal Irish Rifles. Arthurs WW1 pension records state that his date of enlistment was December 1909 at Aldershot (RAMC .... listed on 1911 census aged 28) but that he had previous service with the Royal Irish Rifles (number 5382).

I can't find any record of his previous service. However, I have found a record for his brother John which indicates that they may have been enlisted straight from an industrial school .... would this be right? In 1891 both brothers are at Mile End Old Town school, Tower Hamlets but I can't find Arthur on the 1901 census when he would be 17/18 ..... where were the RIR between 1901 - 1909?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

(p.s I have copies of pension records, medal cards etc so just need to know how to work backwards)

Thanks a lot

Jan