100 – Alfred Pearson Enlists in World War 1, Part 3: 20 November 2024

 

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Photo of Alfred.

This is a copy of the Enlistment form completed by Alfred Pearson when he enlisted on 2 September 1914 in the 18^th Battalion of the King’s Own Liverpool Regiment on 2 September 1914.  I have reproduced the exact layout as well as the content of the enlistment form.  The words “DURATION OF WAR” appeared in red print on the form and they ran across the form in the way shown below.

 

13 Have you ever been rejected as Unfit for the Military or Naval Forces of the Crown?  If so, on what grounds?	13 No
14. Are you willing to be vaccinated or re-vaccinated?	14 Yes
15 For what Corps are you willing to be enlisted, or are you willing to be enlisted for general service?	15 Yes
16 Did you receive a Notice, and do you understand its meaning, and who gave it to you?	16 Yes   Name S Jones               Corps [Blank}
17 Dou you understand that, notwithstanding you enlisted for a dismounted corps, you are liable to be trained and employed in such mounted duties as may be required?	17 Yes
18 Are you willing to serve upon the following conditions provided His Majesty should so long require your service? (a)     For the term of 12 years, for the first none years in Army Service and for the remaining three years in in the Army Reserve.  If at the termination of such period of Army Service, you are serving beyond the seas, you will be sent home, with all convenient speed, for transfer to the Army Reserve. (b)    If, at the expiration of the above-mentioned term of Army Service a state of War exists, then, if so directed by the Competent Military Authority, to serve in Army Service for a further period not exceeding 12 months. (c)     If, at the expiration of the above-mentioned term of Army Service, you are so required by a Proclamation from His Majesty in case of imminent national danger, or great emergency, to serve in Army Service so as to complete your term of 12 years, and for a further period not exceeding 12 months. (d)    If the above-mentioned term of years expires while you are on service with the Regular Forces  - (i) beyond the seas, or (ii) while a state of war exists with a Foreign Power, or (iii) while Soldiers in the Reserve are required by proclamation to continue in, or re-enter upon Army Service, and you, in accordance with such proclamation, have re-entered upon Army Service, then to serve for a further period no exceeding 12 months.	18 Yes
I, Alfred Pearson do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true, and that I am willing to fulfill the engagement made.   Alfred Pearson SIGNATURE OF RECRUIT RM Williams Signature of Witness
OATH TO BE TAKEN BY RECRUIT ON ATTESTATON   I, Alfred Pearson do make Oath, that I will be faithful and bear true Allegiance to His Majesty King Edward the Seventh His Heirs, and Successors, and that I will, as in duty bound, faithfully defend His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, in Person, Crown, and Dignity against all enemies, and will observe and obey all orders of His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me.  So help me God.
CERTIFICATE OF MAGISTRATE OR ATTESTING OFFICER The recruit above-named was cautioned by me that if he made any false answer to any of the above questions he would be liable to be punished as provided in the Army Act. The above questions were then read to the recruit in my presence. I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to, and the said Recruit has made and signed the declaration and taken the oath before me   At Liverpool on this 2 day of Sept 1914 1914 Signature of the Justice Wm Denton

 

If any alteration is required on this page of the Attestation, a Justice of the Peace should be requested to make it and initial the alteration under Section 80(6) Army Act.  The Recruit should, if he require it, receive a copy of the Declaration on Army Form B

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This is a reproduction of a different document called Military History Sheet: Alfred Pearson

MILITARY HISTORY SHEET: ALFRED PEARSON   1.       Service at Home and Abroad Country From To Years Days N. B. – The Country only to be shown – it is not necessary to show separately the service in the different stations of same country.  England, Scotland and Ireland to be shown under the general term “Home”. For mode of computing Service Abroad, see King’s Regulations Home 2.9.14 6.11.15 1 66   France 7.11.15 1.7.16 Nil 237         1 303   2.       Whether educated at (Applies only to boys) * Name of School to be stated Duke of York’s Royal Military School Royal Hibernian Military School Industrial School under Home Office* Or Local Government Board* Initials of Officer making the entry 3.       Certificates of education     4.       Passed classes of instruction† † This includes any authorised class of Instruction, e.g. in swimming, chiropody, &c     5.       Campaigns (including actions) B. E. F. France, 1915 – 1916 [BEF = British Expeditionary Force]   6.       Wounded     7.       Effects of wounds     8.       Special instances of gallant conduct and mentions in public despatches     9.       Medals, decorations and annuities -          1914-1915 Star -          British War Medal -          Victory Medal   10.    Injuries in or by the Service     11.    Name and address of next of kin Father Thomas Pearson 69 Granton Road Everton Liverpool [Illegible initials] 12.    Particulars as to Marriage (a) Christian and Surname of Woman to whom married, and whether spinster or widow (b) place and date of marriage (c) name of officiating Minister or Registrar, and (d) name of two witnesses Date of being placed on Married Roll Initials of Officer               13.    Particulars of Children Christian Names Date and Place of Birth Date and Place of Baptism, and Name of Officiating Minister     Note – These entries are to be made from time to time as they occur, and initialled by the Officer making the entry.

 

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This document is called STATEMENT of the SERVICES of No. 18/ 16332 Name: Alfred Pearson.

Corps Battalion or Depot Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c. Army Rank Dates Service not allowed to reckon for fixing the rate of Pension Service in Reserve not allowed to reckon towards G. C. Pay Signature of Officers certifying correctness of entries   Years Days Years days     Service toward limited engagement reckons from 3.9.1914 Joined at L[iver]pool on 2/9/1914   King’s Liverpool City Battalion C[ity]. B[attalio]n 2 Attested and posted Private 2.9.14     W. D.   18th  [Battalion] Promotion Lance Corporal 19.6.15     W. Nash Captain   18th Battalion Promotion Corporal 1.9.15     W. Nash Captain   18th Battalion Killed in action Corporal 1 September 16     W. Nash Captain   18th Battalion Rate at date of death Corporal 1 September 16     W. Nash Captain

 

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On 10 June 1920, Alfred was awarded a medal called the 1914-1915 Star.

On 11 September 1921, Alfred was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.