R.A.N.B. AUSTRALIAN WW1 BRITISH WAR MEDAL TO 13 YEAR OLD BOY CADET SPRINTALL

Offered is an British War Medal (1914 – 18) impressed named W.G. SPRINTALL. ORD. SMN. R.A.N.B. Comes with copy service record and research by Lt Colonel Neil Smith.

William George Sprintall was born on 9/9/1900 at Melbourne Victoria. He enlisted into the Royal Australian Navy Brigade as a Boy Cadet 2/3/1914. This was under the Compulsory Service Scheme.

Before the First World War, Australia was the only English-speaking country which had a system of compulsory military training during a time of peace. The legislation for compulsory military training was introduced in 1909 by Prime Minister Alfred Deakin and passed into law in 1911. The legislation provided for three levels of training: Junior cadets for 12–14 year old boys. Senior cadets for 14–18 year old males & Home defence militia, officially known as Commonwealth Military Forces, for 18–26 year old men.

Boys were required to enrol in the cadets, while young men had to register with the local militia.

Cadet Sprintall served until 10/3/1921, unfortunately he died young, on the13/10/1932 and is buried at Williamstown.

A fine piece of Australiana.