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Remembered Today:

Youngest casualty at age 16?


margaretdufay

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WHITEHEAD, ALFRED GEORGE

Rank: Signal Boy Service No: J/23867 Date of Death: 15/10/1914 Age: 16 Regiment/Service: Royal Navy H.M.S. "Hawke." Panel Reference 3. Memorial CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL

Additional Information:

Son of Alfred and Eliza Whitehead, of 61, Worcester Rd., Higham Hill, Walthamstow, London.

Was browsing thru the CWGC at Whitehead for one of the other threads, and came across this entry, tried to search to see if he had been mentioned before, is he one of the youngest casualties?

Mags

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No, here's my collection of 15 years old.

ASHLEY, ALBERT RICHARD Pte 11002, 2nd Bn East Surrey Regiment

Age: 15. Date of Death: 27/04/1915

Son of Minnie Ford (formerly Ashley) of 1, Putland Terrace, Denton, Newhaven, Sussex, and the late James William Ashley.

Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Panel 34

AVERILL, JOHN JAMES Pte 2467, 1st/5th Bn North Staffordhsire Regiment

Age: 15. Date of Death: 05/08/1915

Son of Ambrose and Phoebe Averill, of 2, Cartledge St., Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent.

Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Panel 55

BARNETT, ROBERT Rifleman 5509, 1st Bn Rifle Brigade

Age: 15. Date of Death: 19/12/1914

Son of Phillip and Esther Barnett, of 95, Belgrade Rd., Stoke Newington, London.

Cemetery: RIFLE HOUSE CEMETERY Grave IV.E.10

BECKWITH, ARTHUR ERIC Pte 7378, 5th Bn Middlesex Regiment

Age: 15. Date of Death: 23/03/1915

Son of Arthur Frederick and Catherine Louise Beckwith, of 105, Effingham Rd., Harringay, London.

Cemetery: FORT PITT MILITARY CEMETERY Grave 1305

BERRILL, JOSEPH Pte 18808, 1st Bn Royal Dublin Fusiliers

Age: 15. Date of Death: 22/08/1915

Only son of Mrs. Mary Hanlon (formerly Berrills), of Balligan, Greenore, Co. Louth.

Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL Panel 190 to 196

DALBY, ALFRED Pte 2987, 1st/5th Bn West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)

Age: 15. Date of Death: 20/02/1916

Son of William and Mary Dalby, of 8, Coronation Avenue, Oatlands, Harrogate.

Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Pier and Face 2A 2C and 2D

DEANS, PETER LYALL Lance Corporal 2465, 1st/7th Bn Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Age: 15. Date of Death: 30/11/1915

Son of Alexander and Christina Deans, of Central Fire Station, 33, Ingram St., Glasgow.

Cemetery: ALEXANDRIA (CHATBY) MILITARY AND WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY Grave A37

EDWARDS, GEORGE LEONARD Pte 11117, 11th Bn Essex regiment

Age: 15. Date of Death: 24/09/1916

Born at South Hackney, London. Son of William and the late Jane Elizabeth Edwards, of 250, Dersingham Avenue, Manor Park, London. Educated at Fortescue House School, Twickenham.

Cemetery: GROVE TOWN CEMETERY, MEAULTE Grave I.H.30

EDWARDS, JOSEPH Pte 11553, 2nd Bn King's Own Scottish borderers

Age: 15. Date of Death: 18/11/1914

Nephew of Elizabeth Hardwick, of 38, Smollett St., Kensington, Liverpool.

Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Panel 22

ELKS, EDWIN RUSSELL Rifleman 13094, 8th Bn King's Royal Rifle Corps

Age: 15. Date of Death: 03/05/1917

Son of Edwin John and Martha Elks, of 209, Walsgrave Rd., Coventry.

Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL Bay 7

FINUCANE, FREDERICK THORLEY Pte 1845, "B" Coy. 9th Bn Manchester Regiment

Age: 15. Date of Death: 27/11/1914

Son of Theodore and Emily Finucane, of The Brow, Bardsley, Ashton-under-Lyne. His brother John also fell.

Cemetery: CAIRO WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY Grave B 123

FLYNN, RICHARD Pte 37701, 9th Bn Welsh Regiment

Age: 15. Date of Death: 25/09/1915

Son of Richard Flynn, of 37, Priory Rd., Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.

Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL Panel 77 and 78

FOXON, LESLIE THOMAS Pte 3748, 2nd/6th Bn Gloucestershire Regiment

Age: 15. Date of Death: 19/07/1916

Son of Thomas and Annice Foxon, of 29, Thomas St., Lawrence Hill, Bristol.

Cemetery: LAVENTIE MILITARY CEMETERY, LA GORGUE Grave II G 33

HESFORD, WILLIAM (Served as CHADWICK), Pte 76371, 2nd Bn Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Age: 15. Date of Death: 15/09/1918

Born at Roxbury, Mass. Son of William and Emma Hesford, of 81, Boylston St., Jamaica Plain, Boston, Mass., U.S.A.

Cemetery: FIVE POINTS CEMETERY, LECHELLE Grave B 13

HUGHES, WILLIAM Pte 8919, 9th Bn Worcestershire Regiment

Age: 15. Date of Death: 23/12/1915

Son of William John Thomas and Tillie Hughes, of 8, Randall Rd., Clifton, Bristol.

Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL Panel 104 to 113

HUXTABLE, ALFRED HENRY EDGAR Rifleman R/11830, 7th Bn King’s Royal Rifle Corps

Age: 15. Date of Death: 06/08/1915

Son of Eliza Jane Huxtable, of 17, Alexandra Rd., Erith, Kent, and the late Arthur Ernest Huxtable.

Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Panel 51 and 53

JENKINS, CHARLES WILLIAM Gunner 78467, 6th Bty, 40 th Bde Royal Field Artillery

Age: 15. Date of Death: 07/06/1916

Son of Hannah and James Worthy (step-father) of Strides Cottages, Mill Lane, Nursling, Southampton.

Cemetery: BRANDHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY I. J.4A

JOLLY, RONALD Rifleman A/547 8th Bn King's Royal Rifle Corps

Age: 15. Date of Death: 11/09/1915

Son of the late Stephen Blake Jolly and Patricia Jolly.

Cemetery: POTIJZE BURIAL GROUND CEMETERY X. 5.

Name: MUNRO, CHARLES M Pte S/6476 7th Bn Seaforth Highlanders

Age: 15. Date of Death: 14/07/1916

Son of Charles and Mary Munro, of 23, Breich St Rothes, Morayshire.

Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Pier and Face 15C

PITMAN, ERNEST Pte G/6912, 9th Bn Royal Sussex Regiment

Age: 15. Date of Death: 25/09/1915

Son of Robert C. C. and Ruth Kate Pitman, of 8, Blackman St., Brighton.

Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL Panel 69 to 73

PRICE, LEONARD Rifleman Y/653 2nd Bn King's Royal Rifle Corps

Age: 15. Date of Death: 09/05/1915

Son of W. H. and Catherine Price, of 144, Crockett's Rd., Handsworth, Birmingham.

Memorial: LE TOURET MEMORIAL Panel 32 and 33

ROBINSON, THOMAS LEONARD Pte 21583, 1st Bn Hampshire Regiment

Age: 15. Date of Death: 23/10/1916

Son of Frank Robinson, of 12, Castleton Rd., Goodmayes, Essex, and the late Beatrice Mary Robinson.

Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Pier and Face 7 C and 7 B

SMITH, HENRY GERALD Pte G/6410, 3rd Bn Middlesex Regiment

Age: 15. Date of Death: 24/04/1915

Son of John and Emily Smith, of 63, Victor Rd., College Park, Willesden, London.

Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Panel 49 and 51

SNADDON, DONALD McLEOD Pte 17780, 1st Bn Royal Scots Fusiliers

Age: 15. Date of Death: 18/01/1916

Son of William and Mary Snaddon, of 3, White Street, Partick, Glasgow.

Cemetery: LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY II. D. 37

STEWART, WILLIAM ALEXANDER Pte 20536, 13th Bn Northumberland Fusiliers

Age: 15. Date of Death: 13/07/1916

Eldest son of William Alex. and Laura Annie Stewart, of Hull.

Cemetery: ABBEVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY V. G. 2

Name: STOTT, RICHARD Pte 1652, 1st/9th Bn Manchester Regiment

Age: 15. Date of Death: 13/06/1915

Son of Mrs. B. Doran (formerly Stott), of 104, Turner Lane, Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancs.

Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL Panel 158 to 170

STRUDWICK, VALENTINE JOE Rifleman 5750, 8th Bn Rifle Brigade

Age: 15. Date of Death: 14/01/1916

Son of Louisa Strudwick, of 70, Orchard Rd., Dorking.

Cemetery: ESSEX FARM CEMETERY I. U. 8

THOMAS, JAMES ALEX Pte 32485, 17th Bn The King's (Liverpool Regiment)

Age: 15. Date of Death: 30/07/1916

Son of Ann Thomas of 15, Ismay St. Walton, Liverpool, and the late Charles W. J. Thomas.

Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Pier and Face 1 D 8 B and 8 C.

TILLEY , FRANK Pte 1871, "B" Coy. 1st/23rd Bn London Regiment

Age: 15. Date of Death: 03/06/1915

Son of James Tilley, of 15, East Hill, Wandsworth, London.

Cemetery: CHOCQUES MILITARY CEMETERY I. D. 2

TOWNSEND, JOSEPH ALOYSIUS Drummer 1435, "D" Coy. 1st/4th Bn East Lancashire Regiment

Age: 15. Date of Death: 18/05/1915

Son of Charles Henry and Mary Jane Townsend, of 6, Countess St., Accrington. Native of Clitheroe.

Cemetery: SKEW BRIDGE CEMETERY Special Memorial B. 43

TREPENAITIS, JOHN (served as TRETT) Pte 3791, 1st Bn King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)

Age: 15. Date of Death: 04/05/1915

Son of Peter and Mary Trepenaitis, of Kovno, Lithuania.

Cemetery: HAZEBROUCK COMMUNAL CEMETERY II. D. 15

TWYFORD, REGINALD ALBERT Pte 13064, "A" Coy. 13th Bn East Surrey Regiment

Age: 15. Date of Death: 08/08/1916

Son of John William Twyford, of 70, Merton Rd., Wandsworth, London.

Cemetery: PHILOSOPHE BRITISH CEMETERY, MAZINGARBE I. B. 26

WALTERS, FRANK Pte 27153, 105th Coy Machine Gun Corps

Age: 15. Date of Death: 22/07/1916

Second son of Phillip and Maud Walters, of 128, Wellington Street, Gravesend, Kent.

Cemetery: CORBIE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION Plot 1. Row F. Grave 57

WATT, JOHN YOUNG Drummer 2750, 2nd Bn Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)

Age: 15. Date of Death: 10/07/1916

Son of Mrs. Margaret Watt, of 40, Crawford St., Partick, Glasgow. Born at Whiteinch, Glasgow.

Cemetery: AMARA WAR CEMETERY XI. C. 8

WEBB, WALTER DAVID Pte 2253, 3rd Bn Royal Fusiliers

Age: 15. Date of Death: 26/04/1915

Son of Walter and Priscilla Webb, of 39, Wilmington Square, Spa Fields, London.

Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Panel 6 and 8

WILSON, REGINALD Pte 3/7006, 1st Bn Devonshire Regiment

Age: 15. Date of Death: 03/04/1915

Son of Frederick and Emily Wilson, of 10, Brookgreen Terrace, Well St., Exeter.

Cemetery: KEMMEL CHATEAU MILITARY CEMETERY F. 71

WOODWARD, HENRY JOHN EDWARD Pte 4438, 1st/6th Bn Royal Warwickshire Regiment

Age: 15. Date of Death: 01/07/1916

Only son of Mrs. Florence Woodward, of 4, Wordsworth Mansions, West Kensington, London.

Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Pier and Face 9 A 9 B and 10 B

WYLLIE, SIDNEY ALFRED Pte 3382, 1st/1st Bn London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers)

Age: 15. Date of Death: 09/05/1915

Son of Frederick William and Alice Wyllie, of 22, Revelon Rd., Brockley, London.

Memorial: PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL Panel 10

YORK, HENRY WILLIAM Pte 18660, 10th Bn Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Age: 15. Date of Death: 15/05/1916

Son of Harry William and Annie York, of 105, Percival Rd., Bush Hill Park, Enfield.

Cemetery: BETHUNE TOWN CEMETERY V. C. 59

Canadian Servicemen died aged 15

Name: AUSTIN, HAROLD JOSEPH

Initials: H J

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Welland Canal Force

Age: 15

Date of Death: 22/03/1918

Service No: 1226

Additional information: Son of Susan Austin, of 30, Thomas St., St. Catharines, Ont., and the late John Joseph Austin.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: Family.

Cemetery: LOUTH TOWNSHIP (ROCKAWAY) CEMETERY

Name: BIRCH, WHITFORD PATRICK

Initials: W P

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Garrison Regiment

Unit Text: 10th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 09/07/1918

Service No: 3307537

Additional information: Son of Richard P. and Annie Birch, of 1215, Alexander Avenue, Winnipeg, Man.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: Mil. 109.

Cemetery: WINNIPEG (BROOKSIDE) CEMETERY

Name: BROUSE, HENRY EDWARD HARRY

Initials: H E H

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Gunner

Regiment/Service: Canadian Field Artillery

Unit Text: 2nd Heavy Bty.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 10/12/1917

Service No: 342955

Additional information: Son of Henry and Ellen Brouse, of Kingston, Ontario.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: VIII. A. 24A.

Cemetery: WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY

Name: BULLEID, GEORGE ECCLES

Initials: G E

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment)

Unit Text: 2nd Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 22/04/1915

Service No: 8525

Additional information: Son of John and Lena Bulleid, of 3, Sutherland Rd., Belvedere, Kent, England.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 10 - 18 - 26 - 28.

Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Name: CAMERON, HECTOR MCDONALD

Initials: H M

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment)

Unit Text: 14th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 21/04/1915

Service No: 22722

Additional information: Son of Lachlan and Annie Cameron, of Lepreaux, New Brunswick.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 24 - 26 - 28 - 30.

Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Name: CHICKEGIAN

Initials: S H

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment)

Unit Text: 3rd Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 02/09/1918

Service No: 2393367

Additional information: Son of J. Chickegian and his wife, Loosig Eykmalian, of 112, Campbell St., Brantford, Ontario.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: II. B. 19.

Cemetery: ONTARIO CEMETERY, SAINS-LES-MARQUION

Name: COSSITT, HAROLD

Initials: H

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Gunner

Regiment/Service: Canadian Garrison Artillery

Age: 15

Date of Death: 04/06/1918

Service No: 362

Additional information: Son of Robert B. and Edith M. Cossitt, of Joggin Bridge, Digby Co., Nova Scotia.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Cemetery: SMITH'S COVE CEMETERY

Name: DEANE, HAROLD JAMES

Initials: H J

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Bugler

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry

Unit Text: 194th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 22/03/1916

Service No: 904092

Additional information: Son of James and Elizabeth G, Deane, of Willow Farm, North Bank, Alberta.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: B. 71. S. A. G. 3.

Cemetery: EDMONTON CEMETERY, Alberta

Name: FLEMING, RAY FOREST

Initials: R F

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment)

Unit Text: 7th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 08/09/1917

Service No: 511134

Additional information: Son of George and Lucina Fleming, of 3,505, Bella Vista St., Vancouver, British Columbia. Born in Alberta.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: II. D. 14.

Cemetery: BARLIN COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION

Name: KENNEDY, FERMAN

Initials: F

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Garrison Regiment

Unit Text: 6th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 09/12/1918

Service No: 2700532

Additional information: Son of Patrick Kennedy, of Dominion No. 1, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and the late Mary J. Kennedy.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: L. 390.

Cemetery: DOMINION (OCEAN AVENUE) CEMETERY

Name: LAING

Initials: F

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Royal Canadian Regiment

Age: 15

Date of Death: 11/05/1916

Service No: 478051

Additional information: Son of Mrs. M. E. Laing, of 193, Beech St., Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the late Freeman Laing.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: Sp. Mem. C. 25.

Cemetery: MAPLE COPSE CEMETERY

Name: McINTYRE, DONALD

Initials: D

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry

Unit Text: 105th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 22/03/1916

Service No: 712590

Additional information: Son of John and Winnifred McIntyre, of Campbell's Cove, Prince Edward Island.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Cemetery: FAIRFIELD (ST. COLUMBA'S) CEMETERY

Name: McPHERSON, JAMES D.

Initials: J D

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry

Unit Text: 105th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 13/05/1916

Service No: 713203

Additional information: Son of James and Mary T McPherson, of Georgetown, Prince Edward Island.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Cemetery: ST. GEORGE'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY

Name: MILAN, FRANK VICTOR

Initials: F V

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry

Unit Text: 65th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 08/02/1916

Service No: 473106

Additional information: Son of Mr. E. S. and Mrs. S. J. Milan, of 725, Goulding St., Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: P. 56. G. 6.

Cemetery: PRINCE ALBERT (ST. MARY'S) PROTESTANT CEMETERY

Name: NICKERSON, WALTER

Initials: W

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Ordinary Seaman

Regiment/Service: Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve

Unit Text: H.M.C.S. "Canada."

Age: 15

Date of Death: 13/04/1915

Service No: VR/562

Additional information: Son of Gilbert Nickerson, of Shag Harbour, N. S., and the late Elizabeth Nickerson.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Cemetery: SHAG HARBOUR CEMETERY

Name: OULTON, CLIFFORD ROBINSON

Initials: C R

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion

Age: 15

Date of Death: 01/11/1917

Service No: 832241

Additional information: Son of Dora and the late George Oulton, of Coverdale, Albert Co., New Brunswick.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: VIII. F. 15.

Cemetery: NINE ELMS BRITISH CEMETERY

Name: POPE, HARRY SHERMAN

Initials: H S

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment)

Unit Text: 3rd Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 08/01/1916

Service No: 457399

Additional information: Son of Alfred and Catherine J. Pope, of 2555, Mance St., Montreal, Canada.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: I. E. 33.

Cemetery: WULVERGHEM-LINDENHOEK ROAD MILITARY CEMETERY

Name: POULIN, OSCAR

Initials: O

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry

Unit Text: 178th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 07/07/1916

Service No: 856079

Additional information: Son of Olivine L. Poulin, of Acton Vale, P.Q., and the late Louis Poulin.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: 101. 102.

Cemetery: ACTONVALE (ST. ANDRE) CEMETERY

Name: RAE, MERLIN HAMILTON

Initials: M H

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment)

Unit Text: 31st Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: between 24/09/1916 and 30/09/1916

Service No: 101357

Additional information: Son of William A. and Madeleine Rae, of Kississing, Manitoba.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Memorial: VIMY MEMORIAL

Name: SHAFFNER

Initials: R J

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (Nova Scotia Regiment)

Unit Text: 85th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 10/01/1916

Service No: 223363

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: S. E. G. 8.

Cemetery: HALIFAX (FORT MASSEY) CEMETERY

Name: SMITH, JOHN I.

Initials: J I

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment)

Unit Text: 14th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 07/11/1917

Service No: 889787

Additional information: Son of Sarah McWhirter (formerly Smith, nee Long), and the late Nicholas Smith.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 24 - 26 - 28 - 30.

Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Name: TAYLOR, GEORGE MELBOURN

Initials: G M

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Ordinary Seaman

Regiment/Service: Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve

Unit Text: H.M.S. "Victory"

Age: 15

Date of Death: 11/02/1917

Service No: VR/3106

Additional information: Son of James A. and Maria Taylor.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: E. 27. 8.

Cemetery: HASLAR ROYAL NAVAL CEMETERY

Name: TUFTS, RALPH D.

Initials: R D

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Rifleman

Regiment/Service: Canadian Militia

Unit Text: 63rd Regt.

Canadian Servicemen died aged 15

Name: AUSTIN, HAROLD JOSEPH

Initials: H J

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Welland Canal Force

Age: 15

Date of Death: 22/03/1918

Service No: 1226

Additional information: Son of Susan Austin, of 30, Thomas St., St. Catharines, Ont., and the late John Joseph Austin.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: Family.

Cemetery: LOUTH TOWNSHIP (ROCKAWAY) CEMETERY

Name: BIRCH, WHITFORD PATRICK

Initials: W P

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Garrison Regiment

Unit Text: 10th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 09/07/1918

Service No: 3307537

Additional information: Son of Richard P. and Annie Birch, of 1215, Alexander Avenue, Winnipeg, Man.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: Mil. 109.

Cemetery: WINNIPEG (BROOKSIDE) CEMETERY

Name: BROUSE, HENRY EDWARD HARRY

Initials: H E H

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Gunner

Regiment/Service: Canadian Field Artillery

Unit Text: 2nd Heavy Bty.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 10/12/1917

Service No: 342955

Additional information: Son of Henry and Ellen Brouse, of Kingston, Ontario.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: VIII. A. 24A.

Cemetery: WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY

Name: BULLEID, GEORGE ECCLES

Initials: G E

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment)

Unit Text: 2nd Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 22/04/1915

Service No: 8525

Additional information: Son of John and Lena Bulleid, of 3, Sutherland Rd., Belvedere, Kent, England.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 10 - 18 - 26 - 28.

Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Name: CAMERON, HECTOR MCDONALD

Initials: H M

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment)

Unit Text: 14th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 21/04/1915

Service No: 22722

Additional information: Son of Lachlan and Annie Cameron, of Lepreaux, New Brunswick.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 24 - 26 - 28 - 30.

Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Name: CHICKEGIAN

Initials: S H

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment)

Unit Text: 3rd Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 02/09/1918

Service No: 2393367

Additional information: Son of J. Chickegian and his wife, Loosig Eykmalian, of 112, Campbell St., Brantford, Ontario.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: II. B. 19.

Cemetery: ONTARIO CEMETERY, SAINS-LES-MARQUION

Name: COSSITT, HAROLD

Initials: H

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Gunner

Regiment/Service: Canadian Garrison Artillery

Age: 15

Date of Death: 04/06/1918

Service No: 362

Additional information: Son of Robert B. and Edith M. Cossitt, of Joggin Bridge, Digby Co., Nova Scotia.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Cemetery: SMITH'S COVE CEMETERY

Name: DEANE, HAROLD JAMES

Initials: H J

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Bugler

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry

Unit Text: 194th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 22/03/1916

Service No: 904092

Additional information: Son of James and Elizabeth G, Deane, of Willow Farm, North Bank, Alberta.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: B. 71. S. A. G. 3.

Cemetery: EDMONTON CEMETERY, Alberta

Name: FLEMING, RAY FOREST

Initials: R F

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment)

Unit Text: 7th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 08/09/1917

Service No: 511134

Additional information: Son of George and Lucina Fleming, of 3,505, Bella Vista St., Vancouver, British Columbia. Born in Alberta.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: II. D. 14.

Cemetery: BARLIN COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION

Name: KENNEDY, FERMAN

Initials: F

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Garrison Regiment

Unit Text: 6th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 09/12/1918

Service No: 2700532

Additional information: Son of Patrick Kennedy, of Dominion No. 1, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and the late Mary J. Kennedy.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: L. 390.

Cemetery: DOMINION (OCEAN AVENUE) CEMETERY

Name: LAING

Initials: F

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Royal Canadian Regiment

Age: 15

Date of Death: 11/05/1916

Service No: 478051

Additional information: Son of Mrs. M. E. Laing, of 193, Beech St., Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the late Freeman Laing.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: Sp. Mem. C. 25.

Cemetery: MAPLE COPSE CEMETERY

Name: McINTYRE, DONALD

Initials: D

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry

Unit Text: 105th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 22/03/1916

Service No: 712590

Additional information: Son of John and Winnifred McIntyre, of Campbell's Cove, Prince Edward Island.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Cemetery: FAIRFIELD (ST. COLUMBA'S) CEMETERY

Name: McPHERSON, JAMES D.

Initials: J D

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry

Unit Text: 105th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 13/05/1916

Service No: 713203

Additional information: Son of James and Mary T McPherson, of Georgetown, Prince Edward Island.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Cemetery: ST. GEORGE'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY

Name: MILAN, FRANK VICTOR

Initials: F V

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry

Unit Text: 65th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 08/02/1916

Service No: 473106

Additional information: Son of Mr. E. S. and Mrs. S. J. Milan, of 725, Goulding St., Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: P. 56. G. 6.

Cemetery: PRINCE ALBERT (ST. MARY'S) PROTESTANT CEMETERY

Name: NICKERSON, WALTER

Initials: W

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Ordinary Seaman

Regiment/Service: Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve

Unit Text: H.M.C.S. "Canada."

Age: 15

Date of Death: 13/04/1915

Service No: VR/562

Additional information: Son of Gilbert Nickerson, of Shag Harbour, N. S., and the late Elizabeth Nickerson.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Cemetery: SHAG HARBOUR CEMETERY

Name: OULTON, CLIFFORD ROBINSON

Initials: C R

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion

Age: 15

Date of Death: 01/11/1917

Service No: 832241

Additional information: Son of Dora and the late George Oulton, of Coverdale, Albert Co., New Brunswick.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: VIII. F. 15.

Cemetery: NINE ELMS BRITISH CEMETERY

Name: POPE, HARRY SHERMAN

Initials: H S

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment)

Unit Text: 3rd Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 08/01/1916

Service No: 457399

Additional information: Son of Alfred and Catherine J. Pope, of 2555, Mance St., Montreal, Canada.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: I. E. 33.

Cemetery: WULVERGHEM-LINDENHOEK ROAD MILITARY CEMETERY

Name: POULIN, OSCAR

Initials: O

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry

Unit Text: 178th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 07/07/1916

Service No: 856079

Additional information: Son of Olivine L. Poulin, of Acton Vale, P.Q., and the late Louis Poulin.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: 101. 102.

Cemetery: ACTONVALE (ST. ANDRE) CEMETERY

Name: RAE, MERLIN HAMILTON

Initials: M H

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment)

Unit Text: 31st Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: between 24/09/1916 and 30/09/1916

Service No: 101357

Additional information: Son of William A. and Madeleine Rae, of Kississing, Manitoba.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Memorial: VIMY MEMORIAL

Name: SHAFFNER

Initials: R J

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (Nova Scotia Regiment)

Unit Text: 85th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 10/01/1916

Service No: 223363

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: S. E. G. 8.

Cemetery: HALIFAX (FORT MASSEY) CEMETERY

Name: SMITH, JOHN I.

Initials: J I

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment)

Unit Text: 14th Bn.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 07/11/1917

Service No: 889787

Additional information: Son of Sarah McWhirter (formerly Smith, nee Long), and the late Nicholas Smith.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 24 - 26 - 28 - 30.

Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Name: TAYLOR, GEORGE MELBOURN

Initials: G M

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Ordinary Seaman

Regiment/Service: Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve

Unit Text: H.M.S. "Victory"

Age: 15

Date of Death: 11/02/1917

Service No: VR/3106

Additional information: Son of James A. and Maria Taylor.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: E. 27. 8.

Cemetery: HASLAR ROYAL NAVAL CEMETERY

Name: TUFTS, RALPH D.

Initials: R D

Nationality: Canadian

Rank: Rifleman

Regiment/Service: Canadian Militia

Unit Text: 63rd Regt.

Age: 15

Date of Death: 12/03/1916

Service No: 53448

Additional information: Son of Albert E. and Amina Tufts, of Kingston, Nova Scotia.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Cemetery: NORTH KINGSTON CEMETERY

Age: 15

Date of Death: 12/03/1916

Service No: 53448

Additional information: Son of Albert E. and Amina Tufts, of Kingston, Nova Scotia.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Cemetery: NORTH KINGSTON CEMETERY

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Quite shocking, I never would have realized that there were so many, I really thought that the minimum age was at least seventeen. Thank you for posting their names.

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It is shocking, those are the ones who's age was known and don't include all of the Mercantile Marine casualties. Mick

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Mags

Navy practice was to have boys on the ships, also a rank for them "Boy 2nd class and Boy 1st class." Also you had boys of the regiment enlisted as drummers etc. These are valid and where known by the establishment. Underage lads, read boy soldiers by Richard Van Emden.

Shropshiremaid, fantastic effort. :poppy:

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Good grief. Shocking indeed. Thank you for posting.

Well done Shropshiremaid...

Susan

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Why is this shocking?

This is a war that involved over 7 million men from Britain which had a long standing record of young teenagers in the ranks in the Army and the Royal Navy. It was inevitable that some would become casualties. I really don't understand why this is shocking. Tragic yes, like all death but we should not be surprised.

Back-fitting modern values and morality to WWI seems rather pointless in my view. In major conflicts this is normal, even today the Torygraph has been running a three day story of an eight year old gunman (sic) in Syria. Fifteen year-olds fought and died in most major conflicts. This is not unusual and should not be shocking.

MG

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I agree with your view that back fitting morality is pointless, but for me the morality isn't the issue, they were indeed different times but the use of child soldiers and the death and wounding of children in combat is shocking, then and now.

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IIRC the school leaving age was 13, and for those who were intent upon leaving then, it was possible to arrange a sort of work experience from the age of 12. thus a 15 year old could have been in full time employment for two years, after having worked part time for another year. I suppose, equating with modern days, that a 15 year old in 1914 would have regarded himself as something like an 18 year old does now.

Bruce

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I have a group of WW2 Naval medals from a bloke that I used to work with when I was an apprentice back in the 70’s. I remember him telling me that he was on the Russian convoy runs but he would not elaborate on any of his war service. His medals include Atlantic star ( Bar France & Germany) , Italy star.

Ive just located his grave and it gives his date of birth as 1926. His Naval long service medal was issued in Feb 1960 so he would have been serving from the age of 14 by my guess.

Well done to auchonvillerssomme for the list

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  • Admin

IIRC the school leaving age was 13, and for those who were intent upon leaving then, it was possible to arrange a sort of work experience from the age of 12. thus a 15 year old could have been in full time employment for two years, after having worked part time for another year.

Bruce

I have a relative who at age 13 in the 1911 Census was working in the South Wales coalfields as an underground loco driver. Not surprising they wanted to escape from that sort of life for what, in 1914 was seen as a 'great adventure'. He was among the first to enlist.

It's also perhaps worth mentioning that Jack Cornwell Boy 1st Class R.N. won a posthumous VC at Jutland aged 16 years. I must have been about 12 when I first read about him and I've always found his story, and his sense of duty and stoicism, inspirational rather than shocking.

Ken

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Hi Ken, , was Jack Cornwell Boy one of the youngest VC winners?

mags

He was the youngest in the Great War (and the Royal Navy) and the third youngest in the history of the VC. There's quite a good wikipedia entry on him if you want to know more about him and the Royal Naval Museum has his biography http://www.royalnava...ohncornwell.htm

There is also a you tube video of his 'military funeral' although for me the most iconic image is Salisbury's portrait

http://www.cityofart.net/bship/cornwell.html

His VC is perhaps a little controversial but as the narrator says on the video his courage and sense of duty in one so young 'touched the nation and perhaps stood for all the other boys who gave their lives'

Ken

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Jack Cornwell wasn't the only 16 year old killed on HMS Chester at Jutland, there was also Boy James Fred Lacey, Boy First Class Robert john Ashton and Boy First Class Albert Ernest Chowns.

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There were also two aged 15 and 65 aged 16 killed at Jutland. At the other end of the scale there was a 62 year old stoker, John Mangan.

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What I have never properly understood is the difference concerning age between RN & Army. The Navy allowed boys to serve at sea even when during wartime, officially the Army only allowed service overseas for men aged 19 or over yet still allowed boy soldiers to serve overseas. So if you joined up as a boy soldier at 14years you could be posted overseas but if you joined at 17 you stayed in the UK until your 19th birthday.

Yet another idiosyncrasy of the British Army.

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I wonder what happened to this young man

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Thank you auchonvillerssomme for posting the Canadian names. It should be pointed out that most of the deaths occurred in Canada, and thus were caused by sickness, disease, and accident.

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A lad from our village, the first of 22 East Preston (a small village) boys/men to die in the Great War, and eldest son of one of the local landowners: Midshipman Philip Candy of H.M.S. Monmouth, sunk 1st November 1914, aged 15.

William

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  • 1 month later...
  • 1 month later...

My first boss was Britain's Longest serving soldier. He retired at 65 after serving 51 years in the British Army.

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