War Gratuity for service as a Boy Soldier

[Alan24]

I'm looking at Cpl 9957 William Charles Readings 2nd East Lancs.

KIA 22 Nov 1917

 

He was serving in India age 16 in 1911 and I suspect the he probably joined as a boy soldier in 1909 age 14, when at that time, he was living in a children's home in Portsmouth. His mother had died in 1900 and his father was in the Union Workhouse, Winchester.

 

The question is, does his £20 War Gratuity take him right back to 1909 or does time as a young soldier count differently to any service over the age of, say 18?

 

What I don't know is when he became a Cpl which is confusing my count back of the entitlement.

 

Regards

 

Alan.

Edited 27 May , 2019 by Alan24

[ss002d6252]

The war gratuity only looked at war time service, as he was over 18 at the outbreak of war then his war gratuity was counted as a 'man.

 

It doesn't matter when he became a corporal as it's the highest rank he held during the qualifying war period that matters. £20 war gratuity as a regular Corporal was paid for 40 months - which covers him from the outbreak of war.

 

His service number, #9957, dates from between 5th and 14th February 1909.

 

Craig

[Alan24]

Thanks for that Craig.

Didn't appreciate only war service counted...clue is in the name after all!

Thanks for confirming the enlistment date.

 

Regards

 

Alan.

[ss002d6252]

30 minutes ago, Alan24 said:

Thanks for that Craig.

Didn't appreciate only war service counted...clue is in the name after all!

Thanks for confirming the enlistment date.

 

Regards

 

Alan.

There was a service gratuity which was also accrued outside of war time but that didn't affect a pre-war regular soldier's war gratuity (if he was still in his colour period - different situation if he was a reservist).

Craig