Sir, The unquestioned acceptance of under-age recruits was not confined to the First World War (report, June 14).
In April 1939 I added a year to my 17 to join the Territorial Army. The only challenge to my deception came from the landlord of the pub to which we had retired after enlisting.
Yours faithfully,
BILL COCHRANE,
91 Crock Lane,
Bridport, Dorset DT6 4DH.
June 14.
From Mr John Moir
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Sir, In 1965 I was introduced, with some pride, to the uncle of the family I was staying with in the Orkney Isles. He had joined up in 1914 under age and, more remarkably, was still under age when he was discharged at the end of the war. Apparently, he was big for his age at 13 and his uncle had been the recruiting sergeant in Kirkwall.
The story bears out the differing attitudes at the time which your report hints at.
Yours faithfully,
JOHN MOIR,
St George’s House,
Sandwich, Kent CT13 9EB.
June 15.