Regiments allocations

[oly2b]

When someone enrolled or called up, how were they allocated to the various units.

My relatives from Keighley, West Yorkshire ended up in Northumberland, ASC, South Lancashire etc

[Stebie9173]

oly2b,

It really depends on who and when. Basically,

Men in the Army already (as of 1914)

If still serving in unit: stayed with the unit (obvious really)

If on Reserve: Would go back to unit if unit was available (e.g. serving in UK or nearby. e.g. man who was on reserve from 1st Suffolks would go to 2nd Suffolks since 1st Battalion were in Egypt and 2nd Battalion in Ireland.

If fully-discharged (e.g. already served theie time): Would re-enlist, often to the Regiment they had been in before, unless "too old" or unfit.

Volunteers (1914-1915):

Were given the choice of where they wanted to serve.

If the army needed men in other areas (e.g. artillery instead of infantry) or the battalions being raised at the time were over-subscribed then the Army reserved the right to put them where they wanted.

If the man were not of A1 fitness or was "of advancing years" he might end up in the ASC, Royal Engineers or a Labour battalion, for example.

Conscripts (1916-1918):

You went where the Army needed you, with very little choice.

Steve.

[oly2b]

Steve

Many thanks for explaining that to a novice on the WW1.

Craig