"a425couple" wrote
"The DA" wrote
"a425couple" wrote
Question,
#1 In 1770s, Brit recruited soldiers, once signed up,
they were in for life.
About when did this change to a set number of years?
According to Holmes in 'Redcoat, --- age of horse and musket
(7 Years War through to the Crimea), enlistment was for life,
which in practice meant 25 years. Shorter enlistments --in wartime.
Not sure when specific, shorter enlistment - were introduced but, --
it must have been by the period of the Crimean War/Indian Mutiny.
#2 In 1770s, commisioned positions were for sale.
All higher positions/promotions were for sale at
succesively higher prices (when - merit?)
Never has. ----- . Only half-joking.
Thanks for the info you provided.
I'll be posting a version of this, over on soc.history.war.misc

Thanks again DA!
If anyone cares to read more, got informative responses from
posting on June 8 on sci.military.naval, and s-.h-.medieval.