How Often Were Soldiers In World War 1 Granted Leave Back To England, And How Long Did Their Leave Last For?

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How Often Were Soldiers In World War 1 Granted Leave Back To England, And How Long Did Their Leave Last For?

3 Answers

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Answer 1

In general, the soldiers got a fortnight's leave each year. But, there was traveling time to be considered - at least a couple of days, maybe longer.

So, your average soldier may be home for a week a year.

For some that was too long! Oddly enough they felt very uncomfortable at home as no one could understand the horrors that they had been putting up with. As bad as it was, they felt better with their mates who could relate to everything.

Answer 2

From July 1915 French soldiers had 8 days leave, this was then cut down to 6 days a month later and increased to 7 days in October 1916. Their leave was further increased to 10 days in October 1917.

For british soldiers this was not the case. The average soldier got 10 days leave and then it was increased to 14 days every 15 months.

Source: Uncovered Fields: Perspectives in First World War Studies.

Answer 3

Well world war 1 was a very hard experience for a lot of people all around the world. While the war was waging getting a leave was next to impossible but many soldiers did dessert because of their families or just the pressure. But some got so used to the constant violence and situation that they still remained and served their country.