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Boy soldier - attalion of The London Regiment
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Boy soldier - attalion of The London Regiment
Photographic portrait showing a boy soldier, perhaps of a battalion of The London Regiment, full length, 1910 (c). Date: circa 1910
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Media ID 14395000
© The National Army Museum / Mary Evans Picture Library
Battalion Length Photograph Photographic Ranks Regiment
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the young face of a boy soldier, likely a member of the London Regiment, standing at attention in a full-length portrait taken around 1910. The image offers a poignant glimpse into the history of child soldiers during the early 20th century. The London Regiment, also known as the "Saxons," was a volunteer infantry regiment of the British Army. The regiment was formed in 1859 and was composed primarily of Londoners. This photograph may depict a young recruit who, driven by a sense of duty or adventure, had joined the ranks of the London Regiment before the legal age of enlistment. The boy soldier wears the uniform of the London Regiment, complete with a slung rifle, a fixed bayonet, and a forage cap adorned with the regimental badge. His expression is serious and determined, reflecting the discipline and dedication required of soldiers during this era. The use of child soldiers in the military was not uncommon during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The British Army allowed boys as young as 12 to enlist as drummers, buglers, or soldiers' helpers. However, the practice was controversial, with critics arguing that children were too young to fully understand the implications and risks of military service. This photograph serves as a powerful reminder of the complex history of child soldiers and their experiences in the military. It invites us to reflect on the motivations and sacrifices of these young men, who, despite their age, played a significant role in shaping the course of history.
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