Edward Barnett - Boy soldier
Nov 20, 2012 22:52:12 GMT
Post by shred on Nov 20, 2012 22:52:12 GMT
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Today, on Remembrance Sunday, we recall some of their extraordinary stories - uncovered by military historian Richard van Emden and never before reported.
In Richard's new book Boy Soldiers of the Great War, he tells how lads as young as 12 or 13 who were tall or well-built would try to fool recruiting sergeants.
He says the youngest person known to have served on the Western Front was a Lancashire boy of 13.
His name was EDWARD BARNETT and he joined the 7th Manchester Regiment in May 1915.
Within a week he was kicked out after they learned his real age. The very next day he re-enlisted in the 19th Manchester Regiment.
Edward, the youngest of five siblings growing up in Salford, was of "good physical development" according to his enlistment papers.
He completed his training undetected and was sent to France to join the 20th Manchester Regiment in December 1915.
He lasted nearly four months on the Western Front before he was brought home.
Today, on Remembrance Sunday, we recall some of their extraordinary stories - uncovered by military historian Richard van Emden and never before reported.
In Richard's new book Boy Soldiers of the Great War, he tells how lads as young as 12 or 13 who were tall or well-built would try to fool recruiting sergeants.
He says the youngest person known to have served on the Western Front was a Lancashire boy of 13.
His name was EDWARD BARNETT and he joined the 7th Manchester Regiment in May 1915.
Within a week he was kicked out after they learned his real age. The very next day he re-enlisted in the 19th Manchester Regiment.
Edward, the youngest of five siblings growing up in Salford, was of "good physical development" according to his enlistment papers.
He completed his training undetected and was sent to France to join the 20th Manchester Regiment in December 1915.
He lasted nearly four months on the Western Front before he was brought home.
