Hi I have at last decided to look at the detail of my Fathers war records, having been in the RAF myself I had forgotten how much the military like acronyms and shocking handwriting! With the help of this site I have managed to decipher quite a bit but there's a few thinks that have me stumped. 1, 2/9/1942 Pt2 116/42 Granted SSP. I have seen "statutory sick pay" for this one! 2. 27/10/44 64/44/3 Wounded (BC) DCL 239 RAD (This entry is on the form that has most "activity" on it, unfortunately they didn't see fit to include the form number or title when they copied it. The strange thing is there is no entry for his return to unit on the next line, but on the military history form it says:- Wounded (BC) 27.10.44 RAD CM Italy w3016 d/6.11.44 CM Italy is obvious as is the fact that he didn't die on 6.11.44, other than that I have no ideas, any help would be greatly appreciated Regards Craig
Craig is it possible to see the actual record? (BC) Battle Casualty. 239 RAD if D a badly written P then Regimental Aid Post.
Could SSP be a typo or an error? 'Granted SPP' is very common on service records: special proficiency pay: he probably qualified for a specific skill -- I believe the award was discretionary and could (but usually wasn't) be rescinded. Just a guess. As RCG says, eyes on the original document will likely provide a definite answer.
Thanks for the replies chaps I have attached the relevant lines from Dads records, Charley, Dads original trade was Batman/Driver, he told me he was a wireless operator and the first line of page 4 in his pay book confirms that he trained as a signaller. The SSP line is dated Sept 1942 just before he sailed for North Africa, Would he paid extra for being a signaller ? Regards Craig
Craig, it's SPP for certain, and yes, it'll likely be for his signalling skills. In the event that you have his uniform or badges, there may well be a patch that signifies this. Regimental Aid Depot is, I think, a rarer variation on Regimental Aid Post, but this is guesswork.
The next line on the military history form says 'Posted 2nd Bn. R.B.' You've cut off the date, but is that not his 'return to unit'? You have very little chance of uncovering what the various medical or order codes are. Besides, except in extenuating circumstances they will not release medical details--even to next of kin.
Thanks Charley I have photo taken in Rome with what looks like an officers pips badge on his epaulette but is not discernible and was wonder what it could be, could it be a signallers Patch ? Craig
Beyond my field, I'm afraid, but I'd bet that someone here might be able to confirm or deny by its size/shape/location. Perhaps you could post the photograph.
Hi, In the context of his B103 "R A D" means Remained At Duty ie he was wounded in action (B C = Battle Casualty) but was not admitted to or treated at any Medical establishment - Casualty Clearing Station or Hospital etc. He may have been treated at the Regimental Aid Post but returned to his unit. I'm sure if you attach the photo someone will be able to assist. Steve Y
Agree with Charley on SPP. And Steve. DCL 239 could be where he was wounded Direct line of communication.
*Slaps forehead* I have a casualty list with 'remained at duty' written literally dozens of times per page, but I still couldn't make the mental jump to R.A.D.!
Thanks guys for your help, while your on a roll I have included a photo of dad with the picture of the epaulette and an entry from his B103 pt1. I suspect it may be something to do with PYTHON (I may well be wrong). 1-268 I have worked out as being how long he had been aboard (1 year 268 days, from 22/12/42). 26 being his age but was does the "e" or the "c" stand for Craig
Hi, Don't think it is a 2nd Lt pip as that would've been embroidered in the shoulder strap (epaulette). Can't help re service group query. Steve Y
