Teenage Soldiers in WWI

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Questions and Answers

What is a common experience shared by all teenage soldiers in World War One?

The test of physical and mental endurance (correct)

The comfort of authority from adult leaders

The joy of camaraderie

The chance for adventure without consequences

What was a significant motive for many boys to volunteer for the war?

Expectation of financial stability

Pressure from family obligations

Patriotic fervor or seeking adventure (correct)

Desire to earn a college scholarship

What age range did boys need to be to technically enlist in the army?

14 years and older (correct)

12 years and older

18 years and older

16 years and older

What does the phrase 'doomed procession' refer to in the context of boy soldiers?

The inevitable loss of life in war Signup and view all the answers

How did the law affect the enlistment of underage soldiers?

It was loosely followed, allowing younger boys to join Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the attitude of recruiting sergeants towards underage volunteers?

They often overlooked age requirements for eager boys. Signup and view all the answers

How did Wilfred Owen's poem 'Arms and the Boy' depict the experience of boy soldiers?

As a harsh and brutal reality of war Signup and view all the answers

What outcome is suggested by the phrase 'killing comes easily' in relation to teenage soldiers?

There was an emotional detachment towards violence. Signup and view all the answers

What was Cyril's opinion about the British commander, Field Marshal Earl Haig?

He believed Haig was incompetent. Signup and view all the answers

What was the minimum height requirement for army recruits mentioned in the content?

5ft 3in Signup and view all the answers

What did Aby Bevistein change his surname to when he volunteered?

Harris Signup and view all the answers

How were recruitment officers incentivized to enlist new soldiers?

By receiving two shillings and sixpence for each recruit. Signup and view all the answers

What did Cyril's letter indicate about his experience with militarism after the war?

He became a vehement opponent of militarism. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common experience for soldiers like Aby in the trenches?

Experiencing cold and muddy conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Why did some young boys feel compelled to enlist despite their age?

They feared being labeled cowards. Signup and view all the answers

What did Aby express discomfort about in his letter home?

The condition of the trenches. Signup and view all the answers

What term is used in today's military lexicon to describe the condition Aby suffered after the mine explosion?

Combat stress Signup and view all the answers

What action did Aby take after suffering from shock during the German grenade attack?

He wandered aimlessly along the British lines Signup and view all the answers

How old was Aby when he was executed during the Great War?

17 years old Signup and view all the answers

What responsibility did Lieutenant St John Battersby have at the age of 16?

Commanding 30 soldiers in battle Signup and view all the answers

What motivated St John Battersby to return to the front after being wounded?

A sense of duty to his comrades Signup and view all the answers

What injury did St John Battersby sustain when he returned to battle?

He lost his left leg Signup and view all the answers

What event occurred in St John Battersby's last hours according to his son?

He was experiencing wartime memories vividly Signup and view all the answers

How did the government influence the presence of younger soldiers like St John Battersby in combat?

They allowed younger soldiers to remain if they volunteered Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Teenage Soldiers of World War One

During World War One, almost 250,000 boys under the age of 18 served in the British Army.
Many of these boys were motivated by patriotism, a desire to escape difficult conditions at home, or a longing for adventure.
The minimum age to enlist was 19, but the law did not prevent underage boys from joining.
Recruiting Sergeants were often paid for each new recruit and were inclined to overlook age concerns.
The minimum height requirement to enlist was 5 ft 3 inches and a minimum chest size of 34 inches.
Pressure from society discouraged young boys from refusing to join the fight.
The Great War was also a call to action for many children of immigrants, who viewed it as an opportunity to prove their loyalty to their new country.
The harsh realities of trench warfare included cold, mud, rats, death, mutilation, and constant fear.
Trench warfare caused mental health issues for many soldiers, which was later referred to as "combat stress" or "post traumatic stress disorder".
Aby Bevistein, a young boy from Russian-occupied Poland, was executed for desertion.
Lieutenant St. John Battersby, a 16-year-old soldier, was wounded at the Battle of the Somme and returned to France to keep fighting.
He lost his leg after a German shell explosion.
St. John Battersby found himself reliving the horrors of the battlefield in the hours before his death.

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Description

Explore the experiences of underage boys who served in the British Army during World War One. This quiz delves into their motivations, the recruitment process, and the harsh realities they faced in trench warfare. Test your knowledge about these young soldiers' sacrifices and the impact of war on their lives.