Anneca Posted 12 November , 2014 Share Posted 12 November , 2014 If anyone watched this programme last night I would be interested to hear their response to the Manchester vicar's son, St John Battersby, who reputedly became the youngest officer on the Somme at 16 years of age. I was surprised to hear this and would like to know if it can be verified? Anne http://www.radiotimes.com/episode/c7vpgg/teenage-tommies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Michelle Young Posted 12 November , 2014 Admin Share Posted 12 November , 2014 There is something about him on pals.org.UK/battersby Michelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_Baker Posted 12 November , 2014 Share Posted 12 November , 2014 I carried out the research the Beeb needed on the individuals illustrated in the programme. Battersby said he was 19 when he enlisted on 30 January 1915. His DOB was actually 26 February 1900. He was discharged to commission on 6 May 1915. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry_Reeves Posted 12 November , 2014 Share Posted 12 November , 2014 Battersby's WW1 career is on the internet and has been since 2013, as well as his record being available at TNA. TR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anneca Posted 12 November , 2014 Author Share Posted 12 November , 2014 Wonderful information - I really wanted to believe this was true, thank you. Anne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry_Reeves Posted 12 November , 2014 Share Posted 12 November , 2014 Anne With respect, I think you have taken it too personally and missed the point, which is the sources of information. TR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Black Posted 16 November , 2014 Share Posted 16 November , 2014 Just watched this and found it quite good. Derek. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunboat Posted 17 November , 2014 Share Posted 17 November , 2014 I watched it on the train this morning (wonderful thing the I player). Aside from Feargal Keane looking like he had be dragged through a hedge backwards several times - I too thought it was quite good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadian J Posted 22 November , 2014 Share Posted 22 November , 2014 Glad to hear most of you enjoyed the episode! I've been waiting for some time to watch it but unfortunately I am not in the UK so the bbc website won't let me play it. I will never understand why websites do that. What harm would come from me enjoying a 1 hour program of theirs in Canada. I have however bought "Boy soldiers..." by Van Emden which is next in line for me to read. It will have to be my replacement for this episode, which may not be too bad considering the great reviews on this GWF! take care all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevem49 Posted 22 November , 2014 Share Posted 22 November , 2014 I enjoyed it but shame it did not have James Walters getting a mention. Gallipoli veteran at 16 and killed on Somme before he was 17. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Broomfield Posted 23 November , 2014 Share Posted 23 November , 2014 For some reason I fail to understand, Mrs Broomfield recorded this. I'm about 20 minutes i and wondering how much more of my life I wish to waste. Due respect to the experts involved (Mr Baker, Professor Doyle, etc), but really ... do they need to trail relatives around France just to stand and mawk at things their (never met) ancestor might have done/felt/seen/though, etc? It adds nothing at all to the story and merely cynically trying to tug our heart strings. Much as I enjoyed his book, Road of Bones, about Kohima, Fergal Keane would be better replaced by Fergal Sharkey. (Mind, points for pronouncing Loos properly). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
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 accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now