Shared Photo: Frank Coleman, Royal Marine Bandboy

Question

 

I wanted to share this family photo of Francis Coleman with the community. Location: Isle of Man. Date: 1942

What do you do when your older brother joins up in war time? Follow him of course. My father, aged 14 as a Royal Marine Bandboy.  Fortunately he was sent to train in the Isle of Man and stayed there for the rest of the war. He remained in the Royal Marine Band until 1959, playing the cornet and viola 

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Answer 1

Very distinguished looking young man!!

Comments

I just think that he was such a little boy to join the forces In  many ways  being in the forces so young  affected his whole  outlook on life .One positive thing is that he learned to play another instrument (he already played the cornet in the local silver band).  He also probably got a better education than if he had stayed at home and worked in a shoe making factory along with most of the others in the area.

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He's does look like a little boy, Helen.  It makes me sad to think of someone so young facing war.

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Helen, I agree with you 100%. And, as usual, I've gained another perspective from a fellow Wiki-Tree member. Yes, I thought about what a different outlook going, joining the service at such a young age, but never thought about the "bright side" as far as his education, etc. Thank you.