An uncommon late nineteenth-century naval recruitment broadside, boldly titled: “Wanted for the Royal Navy, Stout Healthy Boys, of Good Character, from 15 to 16 1/2 Years of Age”. The broadside begins by setting out the various requirements for new recruits, such as height and chest measurements, as well as the stipulation that they “must be able to read and write, must have the written consent of their Parents or Guardians, and must sign an engagement to serve for 12 years from the date of attaining the age of 18”. It then moves on to outline scales of pay, allowances, pensions, periods of leave and other arrangements (for example, “boys after 6 months’ service can send money home to their parents or guardians at the following rates”). At the foot is a list of ships, including the names of their captains and ports, currently seeking recruits, as well as the locations of recruitment offices.
A rather fun piece of naval ephemera which would have surely appealed to many Victorian youths’ sense of adventure.