Jump to content
The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Category


borstal

Recommended Posts

During the early part of WWI soldiers were categorised in the range 1-46.

If my memory served me correctly 1-23 covered single men whilst 24-46 covered married men.

I think the numbers related to an age grouping.

Can anybody provide, or indicate where it can be found, a complete listing.

Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

These categories were introduced as part of Lord Derby's scheme, a precursor to conscription, and which came into effect in autumn 1915 (see elsehwere on this website for more detail). Each group represented a particular age group by year. Groups 1-23 represented single men, with Group 1 made up of 18 year-olds and Group 23 40 year-olds. Groups 24-46 covered married men in the same way.

Charles M

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks Charles

Looking at what you said would I be correct in assuming that each number represented an increase of 1 year?

If 1 = 18yr then 2=19yr and so?

Just trying to get it straight in my mind for a lead in to the WWI Registers project

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, that is so. This system laid down the priority for calling up for service, although Groups 1 and 24 were initially not called up until they attained their 19th birthdays.

Charles M

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...