Jump to content
Free downloads from TNA ×
The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

Naval rank Boy


fatbob

Recommended Posts

Hi,

Excuse my ignorance but not being very Naval orientated, just wondering if someone could shed some light on a query.

The rank of Boy 1st class, what exactly does this mean?

I realise this is probably a huge topic but any info would be appreciated.

Regards,

Fatbob

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello

To keep it simple at the moment.

At 14, a boy could enter the RN with his parents approval. The boy was then a Boy 2c and received a shore bound education with a naval slant. After two years of this with expected standards, he became a Boy 1c and went to sea, continuing his education under a SchoolMaster in larger ships or under the tutorage of an officer in smaller ships. In WW I, you saw boys serving in most warships, down to and including destroyers and a few in submarines.

As a Boy 1c, he not only continued his education, but learned functions and duties within the ship. At 18, he could become an ordinary seaman.

A "Boy" should not be confused with a "Cadet" who was basicly the same age, but educated as an officer trainee.

don

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...