Joining up

[randallovich]

Can anyone explained what happened on the day volunteers signed-up. My grandfather enlisted with the Royal Naval Voluntary Reserve (RNVR) on 6th August 1914. On 20th August he was assigned to the Hawke Battalion and presumably then went to Walmer in Kent.

 

I would like to understand if men who enlisted with the RNVR went home afterwards and report back to barracks at a later date or did they go straight to barracks on the day of enlisting?

 

Any insight would be very much appreciated

[kenf48]

In early August 1914 recruits to Kitchener's New Army (K1) were given one shilling (a day's pay), a further one shilling and ninepence ration allowance and if necessary a rail warrant to the Regimental Depot for the Regiment which they signed up for.

They usually mustered at the Regimental Depot the same day, or the day after.

As numbers increased it varied from this practice, especially with locally raised battalions and as it became apparent there would be insufficient accommodation at the regimental barracks.

 

I don't know what the RN did, if you put a reference to the RNVR/RND in your title you may attract the interest of those who specialise in naval matters.

 

Ken