Private Victor Crothers
Victor Crothers was born on 27 September 1897 in Barrack Street, Lisburn, County Antrim, the fourth of five children of American-born insurance agent John Crothers and his wife Mary Ann (née Downey). His mother died when he was just seven years old. By the time of the 1911 Census he was living at 1.2 Mercer Street, Lisburn, with his father, his step-mother and her sister, and three of his siblings.
Crothers enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Antrim on 25 May 1915 (No.1604). He gave his occupation as clerk and his age as 19 years 247 days – he was in fact just 17. Two months later his father, through a Lisburn solicitor, wrote to the commanding officer of the regiment at Antrim seeking his discharge as he was under age. Lieutenant-Colonel Maude responded, writing to the Commander of the Belfast Garrison:
Authority is requested for the Discharge of ... Pte Crothers ... he being under age. ... The number and circumstances of the Soldier's family has no connection with this application. I would add that this man does not appear to be strong enough to perform the duties required of him.
On 31 July 1915 Crothers was discharged, 'having made a mis-statement as to age on enlistment, soldier between 17 and 18 years of age at date of application for discharge' (paragraph 392 vi(b), King's Regulations). His military character was recorded as 'good'.
Crothers re-enlisted a year later, on 9 October 1916 at Belfast, this time in the Army Service Corps (No. DM2/224616). He trained as a lorry driver, passing his learner's test on 28 December. On 17 February 1917 he embarked for France, where he was posted to the 59th Divisional Ammunition Sub-Park, 893 Motor Transport Company. He remained in that role until the end of the war.
On 23 September 1918 he was awarded 7 days' confinement to camp for not wearing a steel helmet in a steel helmet zone, and neglect of duty in turning his lorry in such a manner as to obstruct traffic.
Crothers was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve, on 18 July 1919. His military character was recorded as 'very good'.
One of Crothers' brothers, John, also served in the war, in the Royal Field Artillery. He was awarded a Military Medal.