As many as 250,000 under age soldiers fought in WW1 because sergeants were giving 1 shilling and threepence for every new soldier they enlisted. So if a boy was the right height, passed the tests and said he was 18 he was enlisted.

Young Recruits

Sidney Lewis aged 12

Old Soldiers

The oldest soldier was Israel Harding, he was 84 and was a chief gunner in the Royal Navy. He received the Victoria cross on 11th July 1882 in Egypt. Some of his units were HMS Arrogant, HMS Barracouta and HMS Alexandra. He was born on 21st October 1833 and died on 22nd May 1917. The oldest French soldier was 78, the oldest Italian was 74 and Lieutenant Henry Webber, aged 67, was the oldest British soldier killed in war. He died in action at Somme in 1916.

Lieutenant Henry Webber

Israel Harding VC

John Condon

One boy John Cornwell, more commonly known as Jack was mortally injured when his ship came under heavy fire. He stayed at his post to carry out orders until he was killed. He died on 2nd June but received the Victoria Cross for his bravery.

Jack Cornwell

The Victoria Cross

Some of the youngest boys to join the Army were Sidney Lewis,12, George Maher, 13, Horace Iles, 14, John Battersby, 14 and John Condon who joined in 1913 when he was 15.