YOUNGEST BOY AWARDED 1914 STAR (& CLASP)?

[horatio2]

I have a boy bugler RMLI who qualified for the 1914 Star and Clasp at the Defence of Antwerp in October 1914. He was born on 7 Jun 1900, was 14 years and fifteeen days old when he enlisted on 22 June 1914 and was 14 years and four months old when fighting at Antwerp.

It is possible that he was the youngest 'Old Contemptible'. [And, just for a change, he did not give a false age on enlistment]

Does anyone know of a younger army man, please?

[eltoro1960]

Very close but no cigar.

Pte James Meldrum Marchbank 8th Royal Scots was born on 4th June 1900,and joined TF June 1913, although he didn't reach France until 5th November, 1914 which still makes him an Old Contemptible however. As with your lad he was a drummer / bugler.

You can read more on my website.

John

http://www.newbattle.../boysoldier.htm

[horatio2]

Thank you. The website says he was born on 14 June 1900 but you quote 4 June above. Which is it?

[eltoro1960]

I take it back, listened to his interview again and it's the 14th June.

[horatio2]

Thanks for the clarification, John.

So, still waiting for another 'youngest Contemptible' candidate. Any more offers?

[nthornton1979]

I have the Victory Medal to this chap - http://www.loyalregiment.com/2037-pte-r-sutton-l-n-lan-r/

He didn't enter France at 14 but he was a serving soldier.

I think yours will take some beating!

Neil

[horatio2]

Come on then! Amongst all those hundreds of stories on this forum which include the words "He lied about his age on enlisting" there must be just one who "looked nineteen", who was actually only twelve or thirteen and who served with the BEF in 1914. Just one? Perhaps not.

[Derek Black]

As an aside a lad on my local war memorial was 14 when taken prisoner during the retreat from mons, but turned 15 during november 1914.

The poor guy spent the next four years as a POW only to die of the flu pandemic awaiting repatriation in 1918.

[W.J.Caughey]

No birth certificate, but this young lad must be close, http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,213097.msg3802205.html

His medal card reads he applied for clasp and roses, went on to become a Lieutenant in Cameroon Highlanders.

Private 9558 George Stirrat Cameroon Highlanders.

[spof]

Come on then! Amongst all those hundreds of stories on this forum which include the words "He lied about his age on enlisting" there must be just one who "looked nineteen", who was actually only twelve or thirteen and who served with the BEF in 1914. Just one? Perhaps not.

GRUMPY could probably tell us how many boys were on a battalion's establishment in 1914 which would give the theoretical maximum but the boys who joined up in August 1914 would not have made it to the front by 22 November by the time they were trained and kit was available.

[Dannemois]

Incredible story, what was the boy bugler's name and number?

[horatio2]

Bugler Morris (Maurice on medal roll) George PUGHE, Plymouth/16708, RMLI. He served with Plymouth Battalion RND at Ostende (27-31 August 1914), Dunkirk and in action at Antwerp. His 1914 Star was issued to him at RM Barracks, Plymouth, on 10 March 1919 and his Clasp was issued on 9 May 1921. On 1 April 1923 he was discharged to a commission as Probationary 2nd Lt RM.

[Guest]

Robert Barnett 1st Rifle Brigade must have been very young, but not as young as your lad? Might be worth contacting Forum pal Forton, if anyone will know, it will be him?

Mike