What were boy soldiers?
Boy soldiers were boys under the age of 18, the legal limit to enlist in the British army, who enlisted in the army by lying about their age or name. 19 was the age at which soldiers could fight overseas.
Interesting facts
The youngest British boy soldier is believed to be Private Sydney Lewis, a boy aged 12 years old. Lewis, who was too short to even see over the edge of a trench, fought at the Battle of the Somme for six weeks until he was sent back home due to his mother contacting the War Office in London.
In 1915, as the number of adults who volunteered to join the army decreased, more boy soldiers were able to enlist. However, in 1916, boy soldiers were no longer needed because of the introduction of conscription.
1 in 5 boy soldiers were sent back home within a month because they were either admitted their real age or they were physically not fit enough.
In 1915, as the number of adults who volunteered to join the army decreased, more boy soldiers were able to enlist. However, in 1916, boy soldiers were no longer needed because of the introduction of conscription.
1 in 5 boy soldiers were sent back home within a month because they were either admitted their real age or they were physically not fit enough.