THE YOUNGEST RECRUIT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1476, 23 November 1915, Page 4

THE YOUNGEST RECRUIT.

OFFER BY BOY OF SEVEN,' A picturesque incident, which speaks well for the patriotic spirit of young Australia, occurred recently in Melbourne. It was afternoon, and the sergeants were busy with tape measure and with cards for testing eyesight. Recruits in various stages of undress sat on the long benches, chatting, while the medical officer, stethoscope in band, listened to the heart beats of a future soldier, and khaki-clad clerks wrote busily on attestation forms. Suddenly quick, firm footsteps were heard, and, looking up, one of the sergeants beheld a diminutive figure in khaki uniform and equipment approaching the officers’ table. The figure was a very young boy, and the officer in charge leaned back in his chair as the small newcomer clicked his heels together and saluted, “Please, sir, can I enlist ?” said the boy in a shrill treble voice. An amazed sergeant addressed the boy kindly, inquiring what his age was. “Seven, sir,” came the answer, doubtfully. “I want to join, because my father Is at the front.” There was a moment’s silence. Nobody laughed, and the little figure stood bolt upright, awaiting the verdict. Then, very kindly, a big man in khaki explained that enlistment was impossible, even for such “chips of the old block” as this, and the corners of the boy’s mouth dropped pathetically. Not until he realised that the officials really meant what they said did he turn away slowly, and leave the depot, as disappointed a reject as ever walked out of the Town Hall doors.