Terms Of Enlistment

[chrisharley9]

Can any pal tell me how soldiers enlisted after the outbreak of war.

Of course I'm aware of the different types of service be it Regular, TF or New Army, but I'm stumped by the following questions

a. How long did the above categories enlist for during the war itself.

b. What happened to regular soldiers who were time expired during the war.

c. Were New Army enlistments posted to Regular Battalions.

All The Best

Chris

[Muerrisch]

You need my article in Stand To! number 68, but herewith a quick heads-up.

No such thing as New Army enlistment as such: they were indistinguishable from Regulars except that the usual seven years colour service, five on reserve [infantry] with a possible eighth year colour service if at war or overseas,

became three years or the duration.

The other enlistments were Special Reserve, and TF. Details enlistments if you need them

Certainly men enlisting after Aug 1914 could be posted to regular battalions.

Full regular enlistments seven and five continued to be available.

A regular nearing end of his twelve year liability was free to go as and when, although every effort made to retain them, money etc. However, a man discharged became liable, after Jan 1916, to conscription if under 41 years and fit.

As an aside, I have a regular on 1914 medal roll demobbed as he stepped ashore in France!

[chrisharley9]

many thanks for that

could you please let me have details of the SR & TF engagements

All The Best

Chris

[Muerrisch]

SR six years, age 17 and 35, option to engage for more at 4 years at a time.

TF four years, 17 to 35 but boys recruited from 14, option to extend four years at a time.

TF perceived as soft option for many in Aug 1914 as no obligation to serve overseas except with own unit, but this soft option progressively toughened and after Jan 1916 no soft options anywhere.