Age to enter militia

[Elaine]

Have been googling but can't quite get there. Have found James Eustace entering the militia aged 8, did they take children this young into the regular militia. Any background knowledge would be appreciated

James Eustace 1 c 1803 - Copy.jpg

[Olde Crone Holden]

Yes, boy soldiers, boy sailors, pauper apprentices, all could go in at age 7 even. They didn't actually fight at that young age, but would be used as servants, or trained up as buglers etc - you must have heard of "boy buglers" surely, lol!

OC

[Uncle John]

Or little drummer boys.

[Elaine]

All new to me, discovering a new side of the family with very different history. Just didn't know they were quite so young and not too hot on militia so thanks for your reply

[Olde Crone Holden]

Yes, it's a bit of a shock the first time you see a child aged 7 being apprenticed or joining the navy.

OC

[kylejustin]

i always thought they had to be 21 to enlist, but my 3rd great grandad enlisted at 19, which is odd, because the family stories behind his enlistment say his mother dragged him out of the barracks the first time he enlisted!! she wouldnt have been able to do this in the 1850's if he wasnt underage right?

[Elaine]

Thanks everyone