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enlisted in1909

enlisted in1909

Posted: 17 Jul 2015 1:18PM GMT
Classification: Query
i have my great grandfather 1st world war pension record. it states he was a bank clerk but enlisted in 1909, just curious to why he would have enlisted in 1909, as world war one had not begun at that stage.

Re: enlisted in1909

Posted: 19 Jul 2015 8:46PM GMT
Classification: Query
It's an age old question. Why do men go to war or enlist into the military and there is no sure fire answer for it and there are a million reasons for it. that is when you don't know any particulars.

1. A lot of young people and especially in England and their position as a world power and the size of the British empire. They want to see the world.

2. They are not sure at that stage in their lives just what they want to be.

3. Maybe as you say he was a Bank clerk and possibly his father and other relatives were Bankers. He might have felt that wasn't for him and he wanted to take some time to find out just what he wanted and maybe to get a way from the family.

Maybe he wanted to find out just how much man he was and to strike out on his own and not depend on the family. He wanted to do as they say and always have said. "He just wanted to do his own thing."

4. There are any number of reasons and unless he left some kind of clue as to why. You will never know. I would say for that time. It was a young mans thing. If you are sure about the date and it was not later during the war. Then of course it was war time and then it is to serve one's country and to do your part; that is generally the reason during war time.

5. He was a Bank Clerk. so I don't think it was for the money.

God Bless and God Speed,
Danny



Re: enlisted in1909

Posted: 20 Jul 2015 10:44PM GMT
Classification: Query
Thanks for taking the time to reply. The date is definatly recorded as enlisting in 1909. He didnt actually serve overseas (that is recorded too) due to being medically unable (suffering from twitching, nerves and had a breakdwon before the war) (all recorded) he later went on to be a bank manager.

Re: enlisted in1909

Posted: 21 Jul 2015 3:54AM GMT
Classification: Query
If he went in in 1909. I am sure he was healthy before he went into the Army. It sounds like something you would get from Battle fatigue. I know you said he didn't serve overseas and you don't have to say what or where.

If he was an ordinary, healthy and well balanced individual. It all sounds like he must have served in some capacity in a war zone. He could have been in security and was into some covert operations that they would not probably tell you about anyway. He probably took it to his grave.

The other side of the coin is that some people are not suited for military life and had a very bad time.It's like anything. If he was with a group of guys and he just didn't fit in or they didn't want him to fit in. The military can be a very cold and cruel place to. If they have it in for you. They can ride you and if you can't take it. You just might crack.

It's like that movie with Sir Alec Guiness. "Tunes of Glory". A lot of veterans will tell you that it had a lot of truth to it. Alec Guiness was the main culprit and between him and a few of the men they drove the new commanding officer (Sir John Mills) to the brink. It was a good movie and it is quite true in a way; but in the end Alec didn't fair so well either.

It's like working at a factory, shop, etc. You have to make a living and you have to go to work and pay the bills; but if you are not liked and they want to make your every day a living hell. They could do it then.

Sometimes people run away to find something. They think they have the sure fire answer; but they are really not cut out for it; but they thought it was the answer. They might leave there and go some place else and all the while what they really had in the first place was the best thing for them.

It's like being married. sometimes a person might get married two, three, or four times and keeps on getting a divorce or the marriage doesn't last. The simple truth is they keep marrying the same person all the time. The other side of the coin. They won't admit they have a situation with there own selves; but are too blind to see it.

I am not saying any of this applies to your relative. It is just some thoughts. You are seeking answers. I am trying to give some possible reasons. The answer you may never find. I truly hope you do. You don't have to answer this

God bless and God Speed,
Danny
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