Military Career of William Arthur Norris (b 1899)

I  have previously written of another William Arthur Norris and his military career; that was the son of Jacob Norris (my Great Great Grandfather) who was quickly discharged after enlisting in the Lancers on the grounds that he was unlikely to make a capable soldier. The William Arthur Norris that I write about here is the grandson of Jacob Norris, born to his son Frederick J Norris c 1899. He is therefore the cousin of my grandfather William Herbert Norris and of the same age.

William Arthur Norris (b 1899) joined the army on the 5th of May 1915, signing up for the duration of the war with the 17th Battalion Kings Royal Rifles. He is given the Regimental No C3097. William Arthur's Service Record tells us that his next of kin is Frederick John Norris and that the family home is 163 Wolsely Buildings, Jacob Street, Bermondsey. His occupation is given as that of a Packer at a Cake Bakery. William Arthur's military career, however, did not last very long. He was posted on 5th May 1915 but discharged on 9th August of the same year because he was underage. William Arthur had falsely claimed to be 19 years and 90 days; in fact he was only about 16.

But this is not the  end of the story ... because on 2nd October 1915 - and still underage - William Arthur Norris joined the 12th Battalion (Bermondsey) of the East Surrey Regiment. He was given the No 14150. The record appears damaged but this information about William Arthur Norris can be gleaned:

Height - 6 feet
Chest when fully expanded - 37 inches
Range of expansion - 2 inches
Weight - 134 pounds
Complexion - fresh
Eyes - blue
Hair - brown

His occupation is now given as Carman

Distinguishing marks are mentioned: a mole on the left upper lip and a scar on left side of the neck and the front of the left ear (suggesting perhaps a wound from a knife?)

The address that is given for his father is the same as he gave at his earlier enlistment.

William Arthur Norris was posted on 2nd October 1915. By 12th November, however, he had been struck off as a deserter! The only event mentioned on his service record is for the offence of overstaying his pass by seven days for which he was confined to barracks for fourteen days and forfeited seven days pay.

It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that William Arthur Norris was something of a handful; even so his father appears concerned for his welfare. He writes to his son's Commanding Officer ...