Some of you may know that I have been helping a good friend of mine trace his family history. In a general conversation he 'just happened to mention' that at the age of just 15 and a half he was awarded the 39-45 STAR and 39-45 MEDAL. Having gone around the world twice he then served his national service with the Army. On parade one day John had worn his medals and his Sergeant Major insisted he removed his ribbons as at his age he couldnt possible have earned those. It was up to John to prove his entitlement to his Medals which he duly did and by means of recompense for not believing him he was awarded an extra weeks holiday. What an achievement for such a young lad. I wonder if many others received it
A fantastic achievement. We often hear about youngsters below recruitment age signing up for the Great War so it goes to show that young men - boys - were still doing this in WW2!
For John having lived most of his life in a Childrens home he must have thought what an adventure to see the world!
Yay John, so happy that we could help find his beginnings. Sadly so many thought the same & didn't live to tell the truth.
So here we have the very handsome young Mr John Henry Boulter and an older picture of his days in Wissage childrens home Lichfield Staffs
What a wonderful story. My grandad joined up in WWI at the age of fifteen - it was a chance to escape the factory, have a wage, see the world beyond Liverpool. Some, as you say, Jules, had no other option. My great uncle was brought up in cottage homes and like many others, sent to sea during the war.
Exactly like John then! Maybe that is what they did back then with children who had 'outgrown'the childrens home! Not really much different to day to be honest. My own daughter works in a childrens home and at 16 they are out and on their own!
No Jules, 'Boyish Boy' more likely. What a nice looking man he became. Thanks for sharing the photos. Wishing him well with successful surgery. Hello John.
I think I have gone as far as I can here now and would really really like to say thank you to you all for the information and help you have provided. I met John and Margaret purely by chance but thank every day for them coming into my life. I just hope the information I have been able to give John through all of your help will give him some peace of mind to his background. THANK YOU all so much X x