Did Soldiers Who Fought in WWI Also Serve in WWII?

The trajectory of military careers often spans multiple conflicts, as many veterans who served in World War I (WWI) went on to participate in World War II (WWII). The gap between the two was approximately 21 years, which contributed to the differences in age and roles of soldiers in subsequent conflicts.

Age and Experience

After WWI ended in 1918, the individuals who fought in that conflict would have been, on average, in their early to mid-20s. However, a significant number of them were still in their forties when WWII began in 1939. By this time, most of the younger soldiers from WWI would have been too old to serve in the new conflict due to their advanced age.

Erwin Rommel and His Career

A notable example is Erwin Rommel, the legendary German Field Marshal. He joined the German Army in 1910 and rose to prominence during WWI. Rommel's career spanned from 1910 to his death in 1944, making him a prime example of a soldier who served in both wars. His longevity in the military ensured he was well-equipped to lead and strategize in WWII.

Re-enlisting and Career Continuity

For those who continued their military careers or re-enlisted immediately after WWI, the transition wasn't as challenging as it could have been. Some senior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and officers did indeed serve in both conflicts. For instance, my grandfather, though too wounded in WWI to return to frontline duties, was a railway worker and joined the military again during WWII, showing that re-enrollment was possible but not common due to age restrictions.

Role of Senior NCOs and Officers

While the majority of WWI veterans were too old to serve actively in the early days of WWII, some senior NCOs and officers continued to serve. These individuals often had valuable experience and skills that made them essential for training and instructing younger soldiers. This continuity helped bridge the gap between the two wars and provided a wealth of knowledge to the next generation of military leaders.

Pivotal Role of Instructors

Many WWI veterans, because of their extensive experience, served as instructors during WWII. An exemplar is my father's uncle who, after fighting in WWI from 1917 to 1918, enrolled in the Army Signal Corps in 1942 to 1944. His age (44-46) made him less likely to serve in combat roles but perfectly suitable for roles involving training and instruction.

Exemplification Through Art and Literature

In literature, Spike Milligan's war memoirs offer a vivid portrayal of WWI veterans reconvening for WWII. In his work, there are instances where WWI veterans were brought in as sergeants due to their battle experience. This example underscores the value of experience and the continued relevance of these veterans in subsequent military engagements.

Conclusion

While many soldiers who fought in WWI did indeed serve in the second major conflict, this was more common among those who continued their military careers or had sufficient vigour to re-enlist. The most notable examples are high-ranking officers and senior NCOs who, due to their experience and skills, played pivotal roles in training the next generation of soldiers. Their contributions ensured a smoother transition between the two major wars, as they passed on critical knowledge and expertise.