Oldest or longest service

[Michael]

Looking through my Buffs casualties I came across this old chap in Nunhead, London

WATT, Serjeant, ROBERT, 3358. 1st/3rd Bn. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). 7th April 1917. A Pensioner (Crimean veteran). Originally enlisted in Jan., 1855 Screen Wall. 89. 32761.

If he was 15 say when he enlisted, that would make him 77 when he died.

Are there any older casualties (I realise he didn't die as a result of his WW1 exploits) or one that joined the army before him ?

Also any idea why this is the case:

' The graves in the United Kingdom plot and the remaining war graves scattered throughout the cemetery could not be marked individually; the casualties buried in these graves are therefore commemorated by name on a screen wall inside the main entrance gate to the cemetery.'

Mick

Edited 9 July , 2004 by Michael

[Michael]

..and maybe this one's a typo

LEE, Private, THOMAS, G/11145. Depot. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) formerly Royal Fusiliers. 20th No-vember 1916. Age 78. Son of Mrs. Sarah Lee, of Lee Yard, Park Avenue, East Ham, London 439