During the First World War, what were the ‘bantam battalions’ of the British Army?
Answer: Special units composed of men between the height of 5ft and 5ft 3in, who normally were considered too small for active service. They were created after the story of a 5ft Durham miner challenging those in the recruiting office to a fight reached national headlines, highlighting the many able-bodied men unable to serve.
Source: Kitchener’s Army by Peter Simkins
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