HC Deb 06 February 1947 vol 432 cc395-6W
101. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Defence the average age of recruits joining the R.N., Army, R.A.F. and the police; and state the average age at which prospective officers in each of these services are sent to their O.C.T.U., or its equivalent, in each case.

Mr. Alexander

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to normal Regular engagements. Excluding boys, who are entered for the Navy at about age 16, and for the Army at 14 to 16, the average age of recruits, on the basis of recent experience is 17¾ years in the Royal Navy, 18 years in the Army and 18¾ years in the Royal Air Force. Recruits for the Royal Marines are a few months younger, on the average, than those for the Royal Navy itself. So far as the police are concerned, I understand that the average age of recruits accepted for the Metropolitan police force since recruiting has been resumed is nearly 24; figures are not available for the rest of the country. In the case of the police the second part of the Question does not arise.

In the case of candidates for commissions in the Forces who are admitted through the ordinary schools and colleges the average ages of entry are:

  • Royal Navy (Dartmouth)—13⅓ to 13⅔ years.
  • Army (Sandhurst)—18½ to 19½ years.
  • R.A.F. (Cranwell)—18½ to 19½ years.

The average ages of candidates obtaining commissions through the special entry examinations for the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines are:

  • Royal Navy—17 to 18 years.
  • Royal Marines—17½ to 18½ years.

It is difficult to give precise averages in the case of men granted Naval commissions from the lower deck, or through O.C.T.U. in the case of the other Services, but the following information gives some indication of the age range of candidates in recent months, including those granted short service commissions:

  • Royal Navy—between 21½ and 25 years.
  • Army—80 per cent. of candidates under 21 years; balance between 21 and 32 years.
  • Royal Air Force—Commissioning takes place within a very wide age bracket, from age 19 onwards, according to the nature of the appointment and type of commission.

Forward to