Trade Test

[Steve Bramley]

HI All,

On several services records of soldiers that I have researched it states 'Failed trade test, Woolwich'. Could anybody tell me what this means please,

Steve.

[johnboy]

I would assume they went there with a 'trade' but failed the army test or they failed in their training for a trade.

[myos]

James Snailham Samson passed his trade proficiency test and was transferred to the Meteorological Section Royal Engineers.

Andy

[Terry_Reeves]

Trade tests were taken at the Trade Test Centre at Woolwich. However, men could also be tested by qualified civilian tradesmen on their premises.

TR

[David_Underdown]

If you passed a trade test you'd be a sapper (and be given a proficiency rating), if you failed it the RE might keep you on as a pioneer while you improved your skills (or you might get shipped out to another unit)

[Steve Bramley]

Thanks very much,

One particular soldier I am researching was severely wounded in June 1917. He was in hospital in London for four months and married one of his nurses in early 1918. He failed the test in November 17 and went the to the 53rd Leicestershire Battalion who were based 'up north'. He never returned to the front. I was guessing that he was after civilian job to be closer to his new bride. Also that the Shoulder injury he had may have impaired his chances? He was reprimanded on four occasions after joining the Leicesters, until this point he had an unblemished record!

Steve.

[Blackblue]

johnboy is correct. 'Trade testing' usually referred to the 'testing' of an individual with an existing skill and no relevant formal military qualification or course to ascertain whether they met the requisite military standard. Being deemed proficient enabled the soldier being authorised to perform in the relevant 'trade'.

Rgds

Tim D

[johnboy]

Thanks very much,

One particular soldier I am researching was severely wounded in June 1917. He was in hospital in London for four months and married one of his nurses in early 1918. He failed the test in November 17 and went the to the 53rd Leicestershire Battalion who were based 'up north'. He never returned to the front. I was guessing that he was after civilian job to be closer to his new bride. Also that the Shoulder injury he had may have impaired his chances? He was reprimanded on four occasions after joining the Leicesters, until this point he had an unblemished record!

Steve.

Do you know what test he failed?

Did he have a trade before his wounding which was affected by his shoulder injury?

[Steve Bramley]

Hi Johnboy,

No i'm afraid I don't know which test he failed. Prior to enlistment he was a machinist at a paper mill.

Steve.

[Moonraker]

Serendipity! I don't look at all the GWF threads and admit to having passed this one over - until this dull January afternoon. Having read it, I was delighted to see Andy's example in post 3: I don't have much information about the Chapperton Down Artillery School - and most of what i do have comes via this Forum.

Thanks, Andy!

Moonraker

[myos]

My pleasure