OLD COMPTEMPTABLES

[mwsmith]

Could anyone answer this question. On average if a CSM in the BEF served throught the war would this have been active service with his Btn or would his experience have been used in a training capacity. Were there any set rules on how Regular NCOs were used during the war?

Mike

[truthergw]

Could anyone answer this question. On average if a CSM in the BEF served throught the war would this have been active service with his Btn or would his experience have been used in a training capacity. Were there any set rules on how Regular NCOs were used during the war?

Mike

Many of the NCOs of the line regiments were lost in the first couple of years of the war. As were line officers. The need for training had to be balanced with the need for experienced men in the front line. I think that usually the front line won. Of course an experienced NCO who was wounded or no longer fit for front line duty would be gratefully received by training battalions at home.