Youngest Officer

[Captain Dave]

Anybody out there got an idea of the youngest an officer was commissioned into the Army?

I've been mulching this over in my head, and I see that quite often the officers were young for their rank (ie, 23 yr old Majors etc) Whilst I realise they were often promoted rapidly, I am just curious if there was a minimum age. I am aware of some 18 yrs olds, any younger that people are aware of?

I spoke to a retired TA Col a few years ago who told me he was commissioned at 17 back in the late 1970's.

[Guest Russell.Gore@crawley.gov.uk]

I have one Chap on the Carshalton Memorial,a Lt Rowley Kelley,aged 17,who is buried at Calais Cemetery South

[Captain Dave]

Thank you for the information. Does it state which unit he was with?

[N.S.Regt.]

Captain Dave

I have a group to a Captain in the 85th Battalion CEF who was commissioned at 17 and was killed as a Captain at 18. He of course lied about his age to get in.

Best Regards

N.S.Regt

[John F]

I have a BWM to the youngest DSO winner Lt Ottley Scots Guards, D.O.W 21st December 1914 aged only 18 years.

[Guest Russell.Gore@crawley.gov.uk]

2nd Lt.Edward Rowley Kelley.

3rd Battalion Border Regiment.

K.i.a. 07.07.1915.

Aged 17 years.

Menin Gate Memorial.

[Hugh Pattenden]

My Great, Great Uncle, Second Lieutenant Charles Frederick Burley, 4th, Attached 10th, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, was 18 when he was killed in action on the Somme on 18th November 1916. He has no known grave.