Service With Colours

[chrisdt]

I am a bit of a novice at this but while examining my grandfathers WW1 service record there are a couple of periods in his service 1900-1912 and 1914-1923 which states 'SERVICE WITH COLOURS'

Can someone please explain what this actually means...Thanks guys

CDT

[Stebie9173]

In Peacetime you joined the Army for a set period of time. For the Infantry this this was usually 7 years "active service" - also known as "service with the Colours" (the Colours were the Regimental "flag", though these were not carried into battle after 1881). After the period of active service the man would serve 5 years of Reserve service - back in civilian life with the obligation to return in case of war. This gives a total of 12 years. Some men would extend the period of active service to 12 years (as your grandfather seems to have done) with Zero years on Reserve. Men could also extend the active service period to 21 years, though it appears your grandfather came out of the Army in 1912 after his 12 years. He wouldn't have been on Reserve after that point, however as his 12 years service obligation was complete.

In 1914 he would have re-enlisted and served more active service "with the Colours" through the war until 1923.

Steve.