I'm searching for information about the different types of medical classfications in WW2. What was the criteria for each classification and when did they decide when a soldier got discharged for being medically unfit? On a record I have it has recorded his medical classification was assessed as 'D' and then a few days later he was discharged.
The British Army used the PULHEEMS System of Medical grading in WWII Best was FE - Forward Units Everywhere; more can be found at PULHHEEMS - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I have a pamphlet called "Medical Catagories for Other Ranks, 1943" I'll try scan it and post tomorrow. Regards Alistair
medical classifications pictures by ab64 - Photobucket contains scans of the pamphlet. regards Alistair
My father was seriously injured during 1942 and was in hospital for a while. When he was released he was categorised by the Medical Board as Category D. Over the next two years he went before various Medical Boards and was recategorised as level C which I understand was being fit for sedentary duties. He then became "permanent B". Can anyone tell me what duties 'B' could have involved. Thanks for any help.
A – fit for general service at home and abroad, B – unfit for general service abroad but fit for base or garrison service at home and abroad, C – fit for home service only, D – unfit for any form of military service
I have just been going through some Brigade papers and come across mention of Category C men being sent to them. I want to check that am I right in thinking Category A men would be men who were seen as fit enough to fight? If so what would B and C men be seen as? Thank you.
A simplified version would be A – fit for general service at home and abroad, B – unfit for general service abroad but fit for base or garrison service at home and abroad, C – fit for home service only, D – unfit for any form of military service. but there were plenty of sub categories too such as A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 Kyle
It's not always clear what the reasons were for the gradings...My Dad was classed B1 on entry in February 1943 but six months later was certified 'Examined & found fit for service in any part of the world" Within a fortnight he was re-graded A1 which was the classification still referred to on demob in 1947. It might just have been a question of sporting fitness. In many cases these were lads who had left school at 14 and gone straight into work. It doesn't mean that they were all flat-footed and cross-eyed.
I like Spike Milligan's version of his classification (apologies to those who know this off by heart): “It was now three months since my call-up. To celebrate I hid under the bed dressed as Florence Nightingale. Next morning I received a card asking me to attend a medical at the Yorkshire Grey, Eltham. ‘Son,’ said Father, ‘l think after all you better go, we’re running out of disguises, in any case when they see you, they’re bound to send you home.’ The card said I was to report at 9.30 a.m. Please be prompt.’ I arrived prompt at 9.30 and was seen promptly at 12.15. We were told to strip. This revealed a mass of pale youths with thin, white, hairy legs. A press photographer was stopped by the recruiting Sergeant: ‘For Christ’s sake don’t! If the public saw a photo of this lot they’d pack it in straight away.’ I arrived in the presence of a grey-faced, bald doctor. ‘How do you feel?’ he said. ‘All right,’ I said. ‘Do you feel fit?’ ‘No, I walked here.’ Grinning evilly, he wrote Grade I (One) in blood red ink on my card. ‘No black cap?’ I said. "It’s at the laundry,’ he replied."
Dear Alistair I tried to access the Photobucket link that was pasted in your response. However, it does not work, maybe because the posting is quite old. Could I possibly have a copy of your medical classifications pamphlet please? Sincerely Mark
Hi, this is fascinating. Thanks for posting. My Grandad service record states he had a 'Moderate Injury.' B117...any idea what this classification means please. He was in Operation Torch and then went back to Gibraltar before coming home as he was widowed. Thank you.
Thanks AB64 #15 Cant recall seeing this. Been looking for it for years. An official document ref the x List. Does one exist or have I missed that as well.
Hello there. I'm wondering if you can help me. My relative was declared unfit for WW2 service in 1944. His Medical Category was 'E' and 'B179'. Is there any detail on what this means exactly? Thank you in advance!
Regarding "B179". This is Army Form 179 (AF B179). A medical report form regarding an individual. Details of same here: Army Forms & Attestations: Army Form B.179 - Medical History of an Invalid Details of Army Form B179a (which perhaps was used) here: Army Forms & Attestations: Army Form B.179a - Medical Report on a soldier... Grade E classification is "Permanently Unfit". Stark words that never tell the full story. Good luck with all your research. Kind regards, always, Jim.