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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

Bantams


Andrew Hesketh

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(Were Officers also 'short'? - the post sub-title is not meant to give offence to non-tall people, I just couldn't squeeze the question in without cutting corners!)

Bantam's were, I believe, in the 5' - 5' 3" category. Would this also apply to their officers?

I ask in relation to a 2nd Lt. Reynolds of the 15th Sherwood Foresters who went out with the 15th and died near Trones Wood. I could not discover his service records when last at the NA a couple of years ago, nor those of his twin brother who served with the 6th South Lancashire's in Mesopotamia (kia at Sannaiyat), so I've got nothing to go on here.

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Interesting. I wrote the history of the 15th "Blast of War". No evidence one way or the other for officers: photos suggest that they came in all sizes.

By contrast to the Guards, where ONLY officers could be below the height minimum, disguised by built-up bearskins and cunning tailoring.

Captain Short-Grumpy

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I assumed that might be the case generally, especially as replacements were required, but I wondered if the original cadre of officers were required to be bantams as well.

I have a copy of your book by the way - excellent too I might add. I don't suppose (he added cheekily) you ever came across 2nd Lt. Frank Leslie Reynolds, killed 20 July 1916?

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Indeed.

Would you like the few details I have? I have been in communication with a descendant but this has added little, apart from the photograph below.

post-150-1118427482.jpg

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Interesting.  I wrote the history of the 15th "Blast of War".  No evidence one way or the other for officers: photos suggest that they came in all sizes.

By contrast to the Guards, where ONLY officers could be below the height minimum, disguised by built-up bearskins and cunning tailoring.

Captain Short-Grumpy

well i,ll be blowed,i didnt know the true ID of langley baston because i have only been on a few weeks,mr L,i was after a copy of your book but just missed out on it,ray sold the last copy just before i phoned him,ime hoping tom morgan who is now the gaffer,will get some copies in,i wont miss a 2nd time,bernard

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