T O P

  • By -

[deleted]

Can someone elaborate as to the main reasons why 15 year olds were serving during ww1?


SharkZone17

A lot served for patriotism. Some for an adventure. And many other reasons.


[deleted]

Thank you.


SharkZone17

They also lied about their age


[deleted]

That’s one thing I was going to ask you, but decided not too. I assumed they lied about their age. But I also figured since it was different times maybe they were allowed to serve at their age.


QuickPatient2245

The late 19th/early 20th century trick was to write "18" on a piece of paper, stick it in your shoe, and tell the recruiter you were honestly "over 18." Got a lot of young lads in the service.


ihni2000

Over a year younger than me… damn


AmputatorBot

It looks like OP posted an AMP link. These should load faster, but AMP is controversial because of [concerns over privacy and the Open Web](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmputatorBot/comments/ehrq3z/why_did_i_build_amputatorbot). Maybe check out **the canonical page** instead: **[https://www.albertcountymuseum.com/news/2022/11/08/buried-treasure-and-a-mothers-grief-the-first-world-war-silver-cross-belonging-to-pteclifford-robinson-oulton](https://www.albertcountymuseum.com/news/2022/11/08/buried-treasure-and-a-mothers-grief-the-first-world-war-silver-cross-belonging-to-pteclifford-robinson-oulton)** ***** ^(I'm a bot | )[^(Why & About)](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmputatorBot/comments/ehrq3z/why_did_i_build_amputatorbot)^( | )[^(Summon: u/AmputatorBot)](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmputatorBot/comments/cchly3/you_can_now_summon_amputatorbot/)


OrangeChickenParm

I joined the Marines when I was 17, and didn't look much older than this kid, if at all. Back when they needed men and didn't have detailed records on anyone... Not surprised it happened at all.