Hi I have a few abbreviations from a WW2 Army Service Record that I'd be grateful for some help with. Regarding the serviceman's pre-war occupation, I have 'Industry Group AB' = 'Building and Decorating' But what does the 'Occupation Classification' of '003-02' relate to ? In August 1942 he was awarded the 'Specialist Qualification' of '24'. Any idea what this related to ? Upon return to the UK in October,1944 for discharge, he was transferred to the Y-List (permanently left unit to which posted) with the qualifier 'A'. Any idea what 'A' means ? This serviceman had been very badly wounded and was being discharged as permanently unfit. Finally, when this serviceman enlisted in February,1942, he did so to the Territorial Army. Any idea why this would be the case ? It was my understanding that the TA had effectively ceased to exist with full mobilisation in 1939.
Try two places to identify British (and Commonwealth) military abbreviations: Second World War Abbreviations and Acronyms - Researching WW2 and: Abbreviations in Service Records (UK/ Army/ WWII) : For ref.
Thanks for replying, David. I did have a good dig around online before posting my question, but I can't find any mention of these particular abbreviations. Do you have any idea about the 'Territorial Army' reference ? I did think this might be a wartime convenience, as with wartime recruits into the RAF actually joining the RAFVR. Or wartime recruits in the RN actually joining the RNVR. But I don't think that's the case. Or am I wrong ?
Hi, it’s hard to fully answer your queries without sight of the papers. I’ve numbered your queries above for ease of response - 1. The terminology is from the Ministry of Labour documents - think of modern computer code. I can’t help with the specifics. 2. I can’t comment without sight of the original for context. 3. Men were posted to the Y list for administrative purposes prior to discharge. Can’t comment on the “A”. 4. The 1939 National Service Act that introduced conscription stated that all men/women would be deemed to have joined the Territorial Army when called up. It gave them control over service personnel. As you say the peacetime TA went into suspended animation before it was reformed post war. Steve
Thanks for replying, Steve. That clears up the 'Territorial Army' question. I have attached the relevant sections of the Service Record.
