Regulations Under Which Boys are Entered in Her Majesty's Navy - 1868

Index
 


Admiralty, 2nd January, 1864.

All Boys who enter the Navy must understand that they are bound to serve continuously for ten years from the time of their attaining the age of 18 ; and they will be required to sign an engagement to that effect ; but no Boy will be entered without the written consent of his parents, guardians, or nearest relations.

The age for entry is from 14� to 16, and the height :-

for boys between 14� and 15 4 ft. 8� in.
for boys between 15 and 16 4 ft. 10 in.

and they must produce a certificate of birth, or a declaration made by their parents or guardians before a magistrate, to show that they are of the proper age, - or they will not be entered.

They must also be of sound constitution, and free from any physical defects or malformation ; and a preference will be given to those who can read and write.

Candidates will be received in any of the Flag Ships or Training Ships at Portsmouth, Devonport, Sheerness, Chatham, and Woolwich, or in any of the District Coast Guard Ships, whenever there are vacancies ; but they must proceed to the Ports at their own expense and, if rejected, return to their homes at their own expense.


Admiralty, 11th June, 1868.

All Boys who enter the Navy must understand that they are bound to serve continuously for ten years from the time of their attaining the age of 18 ; and they will be required to sign an engagement to that effect ; but no Boy will be entered without the written consent of his parents, guardians, or nearest relations.

The age for entry is from 15 to 16�, and the following are the rules as to height, &c.:

  Height
(without Shoes)
Measurement round the Chest
Boys between 15 and 15� 4 ft. 10� in. 29 in.
Boys between 15� and 16 4 ft. 11� in. 29� in.
Boys between 16 and 16� 5 ft. 1 in. 30 in.

They must produce a certificate of birth, or a declaration made by their parents or guardians before a magistrate, to show they are of the proper age, - or they will not be entered.

They must also be of sound constitution, not subject to fits, free from any physical defects or malformation, and be able to read and write.

No Boys will be received from Reformatories or Prisons, or if they have been committed by a Magistrate.

Candidates will be received by any of the Recruiting Officers of Marines, - by the Officers of the Coast Guard at any Station, - on board any Coast Guard Ship, - or on board the Flag Ships at the Ports of Woolwich and Sheerness:- and, if fit for entry, they will be sent to the Training Ships for approval.

In addition to the above, at those Ports where there are Training Ships, viz., at Portsmouth, Portland, Devonport, Falmouth, and also at Jersey, Boys between 14� and 15 will be received, but they must be entered specially by the Officers of the Training Ships.

Height Measurement round the Chest
4 ft. 8� in. 27� in.

^ back to top ^