Edwardian British Army Soldiers Small Book (Army Form B50) - William Pearless (3rd / Royal West Kent (Special Reserve) - 1909

Issued to either regular soldiers or those volunteering for the Special Reserve once attested and intended to be kept on the person of the individual and kept up to date during service by the commanding officer of the Squadron, Troop, Battery, or Company to which the man belonged. Printed by Gale & Polden fot the HMSO and dated 1908.

This one was issued to Regimental No 1958, Pte William Pearless, who was a man of Kent and enlisted in the Special Reserve, 3rd Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment on 30th November, 1909, aged 18. His trade is given as Farm Labourer. His next-of-kin are given as his father and brother then residing in Tunbridge Wells. He enlisted for six years with the the Special Reserve (prior to 1909, known as the Militia) so he most likely saw WW1 service. Any additional information welcome.

The Special Reserve was established on 1 April 1908 with the function of maintaining a reservoir of manpower for the British Army and training replacement drafts in times of war. Its formation was part of the military reforms implemented by Richard Haldane, the Secretary of State for War, which also created the Territorial Force. Haldane originally intended that the Militia would provide the reserve, but opposition from its representatives forced him to abolish it and create the Special Reserve instead. Only 60 per cent of the Militia transferred into the new reserve, and it was consistently under strength, particularly in officers. Reservists enlisted for a six-year term of service, and had to undergo six months of basic training on recruitment and three to four weeks training annually.

In reasonable overall condition for age. Some staining to card covers and pencil doodles in the inside covers. 34 pages of printed material in total with useful service information included a template for a last Will which has not been completed (no point 'tempting fate', etc). Scarce.

Comm GrSt

Code: 68343