17th Reinforcements

[xrayrifle]

Hello Keith and many thanks for that interesting information. I enjoy learning new things.
Regards
Bruce

Originally Posted by fairlie63

Hello xrayrifle,

Most ranks were acting or temporary for the duration of the particular draft overseas. The fact is that many acting NCOs had no more training than the other members of their draft, just simply demonstrated leadership skills or other traits that were sufficient for the purposes of getting the draft on the ship and overseas.

If you were appointed an acting sergeant of a reinforcement draft you could hardly expect to have your rank confirmed when you marched into an infantry battalion in the front-line - no experience or knowledge, plus no doubt a long line of experienced potential NCOs already in waiting.

In other words the battalion needed to know that you knew your job before you were given the responsibility of command.

Keith