Boy Soldiers of the Great War

During the Great War, many young boys lied about their age to enlist in the British Army, with some even falsifying their birth certificates. These underage soldiers served in some of the war's bloodiest battles, including Ypres, the Somme, and Gallipoli. Thousands of them were sent home after suffering from the strain, while others bravely fought and received medals for their gallantry. Richard van Emden's book provides new information and evidence that suggests up to 400,000 boys may have enlisted in the British Army under-age.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 19 October 2021
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

After the outbreak of the Great War, a surge of patriotism swept across the nation, captivating boys as young as twelve. In vast numbers, they willingly offered their services to their country, driven by a deep sense of duty and allegiance. The press, recruitment offices, and the government played pivotal roles in enlisting hundreds of thousands of underage soldiers, both in Britain and the Empire. Upon joining up, these young recruits often falsified their ages, often with the support of their parents who believed their sons' youthful appearance would lessen the likelihood of overseas service. These boys frequently enlisted together, undergoing rigorous training for a year or more in the same battalions before being deployed abroad. Some joined the army but were swiftly assigned to units already engaged in combat overseas, with minimal training. These lads, often with as little as eight weeks of training, found themselves in the thick of the war, participating in some of its bloodiest battles. Boys served at Ypres, the Somme, and on Gallipoli, facing immense pressure and trauma. Many succumbed to the strain, returning home once their parents provided birth certificates verifying their youth. However, a remarkable few fought on with unwavering courage and bravery, earning medals for their valor. Jack Pouchot, for instance, received the Distinguished Conduct Medal at the age of fifteen, a testament to his exceptional bravery. Others, like Acting Captain Philip Lister and Second Lieutenant Reginald Battersby, were commissioned at fifteen and fought valiantly in France. In his latest update to his groundbreaking book, Richard van Emden unveils new and previously unknown stories, along with a plethora of unseen images. He also provides compelling evidence that the number of underage boys who enlisted in the British Army was significantly higher than previously estimated, with as many as 400,000 serving. This revised estimate sheds light on the immense sacrifice and contributions made by these young individuals during a period of immense national upheaval.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399011631