Batman or robin

[Hindoo Stan]

Now wev'e all seen Baldrick in Blackadder goes Forth. My granddad Private Fred Petty was batman/servant to a company commander with the 2/7th Dukes, (see my signature) so I'd like to get a clearer picture of what his duties were. Did he go over the top and on patrols with his officer or did he stay at home and make the tea? What was expected of him and what was he exempt from both in the line and out of it? The family story goes that he was due for his corporal stripes but took the batmans job because he was told he might live longer. Tim

[Muerrisch]

First, I quote Joe Sweeney, from another and earlier thread:

There are several categories of Officers servants/Batmen. This should be looked at in both peace and war time definitions.

I have 1/2 dozen Pre-war Standing Orders from Irish Guards to Kings Own to Army Service Corps. Dates ranging from 1911 through 1912. Irish Gurads Amendments through 1914. In all these cases Officers had extra employed men as Servants and Grooms and no Batmen. Batmen were for Warrant ranks and NCO ranks usually down to Lance Serjeant. Officers Servants could be extra employed men from the ranks who were freely offered, with the right of refusal, that duty (all SO state if a man refuses he can no longer be employed/offered employment by any other officer). An Officer was also free to use civilian servants. Rules and regulations on officers servants are usually fairly well spelled out in each units Standing Orders and can be different from unit to unit.

Servants/Batmen in War were different. By most War Establishments, and Field Service Manuals, Batmen/servants were authorized in the field at the rate of 1 per each dismounted officer and officer with one mount. Two were authorized for Officers authorized two mounts. In an Infantry Battalion in 1914 this would be only the Lieut-Col. In 1915 the Battalion OC went from two to one Horses so he lost a Batman. WO and NCO's lost their Batmen completely for all units including the Guards (at least per regulations) on mobilization. All Batmen were to be armed and trained soldiers unlike peace time. By the War Establishments Officers Servants were called Batmen, but I'd hazard a guess that, particularly in Regular units, they continued to be called Servants/Grooms.

David is correct Orderlies and Servants/Batmen were two completely different duties. At least as defined with-in the Standing Orders of the units examined.

Joe Sweeney

Secondly, I have had another look. It is absolutely clear to me that 'servant' was the word in use by the men on the ground, but that 'batman' was the word in War Establishments etc.

three scans to complete the picture, the first two from Standing Orders 1st RWF, the third from 'Military Origins':

[Muerrisch]

next:

[Muerrisch]

and

[Muerrisch]

So, in war, colloquially 'servant', but on Establishment 'batman'. The fact is that I have found few contemporary uses of 'batman', and many of 'servant'.

Anyway, nothing wrong with 'servant' or 'service' in my opinion. Mind you, I was in Her Majesty's Civil Service for 41 years.

[Hindoo Stan]

Quite agree. (I'm still am civil servant. 10 years and counting) Thanks Grumpy. I wonder was ten bob a month a good deal more than a private would have been paid. Interesting that the servant would follow the officer to another company. What about another regiment? When the 2/7th Dukes were reduced to cadre in June 1918 the cadre went on to form the basis for the new 29th DLI. The officer Miller, I know went to the 29th as Acting Major. I know that Petty also went to the DLI but until I get to Kew I'll not know if he went to the same battalion. OK anyone got any funny batmen stories. Cue Baldrick.....

[truthergw]

Quite agree. (I'm still am civil servant. 10 years and counting) Thanks Langleybaston. I wonder was ten bob a month a good deal more than a private would have been paid.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Shilling a day, so, seven shillings a week, less deductions and allowances sent home. Ten bob then, I think, in the region of one third as much again. Not to be sneezed at when put together with the other perks which would come your way.

[Hindoo Stan]

Shilling a day, so, seven shillings a week, less deductions and allowances sent home. Ten bob then, I think, in the region of one third as much again. Not to be sneezed at when put together with the other perks which would come your way.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Silly me. Of course ten shillings a month on top of his regular shilling a day.

I recall being told one of his perks was the personal use of his officers canvas folding bath tub! Luxury indeed. Tim