this post was submitted on 24 Apr 2026
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Yep. Granted that kids were considered adult a bit faster then than now, but still .... My maternal grandfather went to war aged 17 and a bit - near enough to 18 to get past the recruiting sergeant. Along with five of his brothers. Only he came home.
He's 19 there, but only by about six weeks.
Needed his Mum's permission on the paperwork - they didn't used to let you sign on your own until 21
WW2 yes, WW1 (my grandfather) was a lot less structured.
It was true in WW1 as well…but a lot of boys faked the signature.
My great-grandfather (poppy, i knew him quite well i was in my late teens when he passed) signed up at 16. Ended up in the 23rd Australian infantry.
Yes, he spent the rest of his life half mad with PTSD
Yes, horrible trauma leaves marks.