Paragraph 3 Minimum age for enlistment

For the purpose of determining whether (notwithstanding section 2(4) of the Army Act 1955 or the Air Force Act 1955, as the case may be) any person’s enlistment in the regular army, the Royal Marines or the regular air force before commencement was invalid by virtue of his being aged under 16, his attestation by a recruiting officer (within the meaning of the Act in question) in accordance with paragraph 5 of Schedule 1 to that Act shall be sufficient evidence that the recruiting officer was satisfied that the person had reached the age of 16, unless the contrary is proved.

Where an officer or other person authorised under regulations made by the Defence Council to enter persons for service in the Royal Navy has signed a copy of Form S3049 in relation to a person, for the purpose of determining whether (notwithstanding section 9(2) of the 1966 Act) the person’s entry into service was invalid by virtue of his being aged under 16 the signature shall be sufficient evidence that the officer or other person was satisfied that the person had reached the age of 16, unless the contrary is proved.