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  #31  
Old 31-08-15, 06:39 PM
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Thank you
(see I can be good )

Alli
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  #32  
Old 01-09-15, 07:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Tigerlily View Post
No I was thinking that, would suck to be a 6 footer in a trench
The minimum height for the army in general in 1914 was 5'3" , for the Guards 6'.
In one of his books Richard Holmes mentions Ma Jeffries seeing the Grenadiers taking over trenches from the KRRC at Ypres in 1914, the Riflemen's trenches being only waist deep to the Guardsmen.
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  #33  
Old 01-09-15, 10:20 AM
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Funnily enough two of my shorter soldiers are KRRC.

The guards must have to have crouched or knelt right down on the fire step, a lot to be said for being a bantam!

And must have been a right pain taking over a new section of trenches.

4th Middlesex didn't have such problems they just complained about the state of the trenches if they were taking over a French sector, common gripe I understand.
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  #34  
Old 01-09-15, 10:40 AM
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No surprise I suppose, that small, green clad riflemen bobbing up & down skirmishing were known as "grasshoppers".
I've read of the French " being dirty in trenches" but also of British units similarly criticised by other British.
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  #35  
Old 01-09-15, 11:51 AM
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Yes wasn't just some French units.

I didn't know the riflemen were referred to as grasshoppers, that does make a lot of sense

Aren't you just a mine of interesting facts!
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  #36  
Old 01-09-15, 01:20 PM
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And I have just realised btw you refer to your dad as being only 5'11" & a half! Surely only in a discussion about guards height's could that be considered short.
I'm 5ft 8" and consider myself a strong, independent woman who can reach high shelves all by myself but feeling a bit short now!
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  #37  
Old 02-09-15, 09:38 AM
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Personally I've found that at 5'8" I have to stretch to reach those top shelves in shops........

I'll check through a couple of books which I think refer to army height requirements.
I can only remember snippets - the average height of the Grenadier Company of the GG was 5'8" in Napoleonic times, the 15th or 19th Hussars were nicknamed "The Dumpies" at one time because their men were notably squat.

A trip down under the old entrenchment lines at Lathbury Barracks, Gibralter gives an idea of a squaddies height in Napoleonic times, I had to duck & that was without wearing a shako.
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  #38  
Old 02-09-15, 10:34 AM
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Yeah you have to stretch but can still do it without assistance!

That's interesting actually, if you do get a chance I would like to know a bit more.
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  #39  
Old 03-09-15, 03:40 PM
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Originally Posted by grenadierguardsman View Post
No, I was. I've heard though that really small blokes were allowed to join the Welsh Guards. Especially those with webbed feet.
Andy
There you go - Welsh Guards - must be a 3 Coy 1st Bn man ......
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  #40  
Old 03-09-15, 03:45 PM
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Aaaaww he's so ADORABLE!!!
I have a picture of my uncle aged 2 in 1920 in a miniature Blackwatch uniform, it's the cutest thing.
And you are far naughtier/braver than me
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  #41  
Old 02-01-16, 05:47 PM
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Personally I've found that at 5'8" I have to stretch to reach those top shelves in shops........

I'll check through a couple of books which I think refer to army height requirements.
I can only remember snippets - the average height of the Grenadier Company of the GG was 5'8" in Napoleonic times, the 15th or 19th Hussars were nicknamed "The Dumpies" at one time because their men were notably squat.

A trip down under the old entrenchment lines at Lathbury Barracks, Gibralter gives an idea of a squaddies height in Napoleonic times, I had to duck & that was without wearing a shako.
Leigh your rubbish, you never sorted the height requirement thing. Left me hanging since mid September. Although I didn't remember what units I was thinking of either, I go for a scout, maybe GWF might jog my memory....
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  #42  
Old 02-01-16, 06:11 PM
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Here is a height requirement for joining the Royal Naval Division
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  #43  
Old 02-01-16, 06:54 PM
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Here is a height requirement for joining the Royal Naval Division
Thank you, interesting.
Apparently in the ASC horse transport drivers were required to be 5' 5" or less, to keep the load light. Also yeomanry regiments favoured smaller recruits as yeomanry horses were on the smaller side.
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  #44  
Old 02-01-16, 08:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Tigerlily View Post
Leigh your rubbish, you never sorted the height requirement thing. Left me hanging since mid September. Although I didn't remember what units I was thinking of either, I go for a scout, maybe GWF might jog my memory....
Yep, found c WWI requirements for RM & RN in some recruiting pamphlets I have, should really get around to posting them.
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  #45  
Old 02-01-16, 08:41 PM
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There's a good chap.
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