I've come across "Bob's Durham Bantams" recently while creating a profile for Armstrong-19874. On his WWI Attestation he was signed up for the 19th Service Batt. Durham. with a note above it saying "Bob's Durham Bantams". I found the following information;
"On 13th January (1915) the WO sanctioned the Durham Parliamentary Recruiting Committee to raise another Btn. for the County Regiment. The height and chest measurements for recruits into the army had been reduced to allow the formation of "Bantam" Btn's. In these units the minimum height being 5 feet and the maximum height being 5 feet three inches tall with a chest measurement of 34 inches. At a meeting of the DCRC a resolution was passed that the WO should be approached with a view to forming a Bantam Btn. of the DLI. Generations of many Durham families had been employed underground in the Collieries found throughout the county. This work led to whole families being small in height but muscular in the upper body and it cannot be denied that they like many others were keen to do their bit."
It seems to me that these men deserve to be remembered too so I'd like to get a Category added for them. However, I haven't found a category for the 19th Durham so it is a bit more complex. Help with this one gratefully received.
I also just wanted to share their story.
