Whilst researching today I found the following.: On a list of Scottish War dead was Thomas Burke (No. 3324879) died on or shortly after 13/1/1942 Malaya Presumed Killed in action Category D What is category D please? CWGC entry Casualty
It seems to me that the category system to which that refers is the one for personnel who initially were declared Missing (believed dead) and the Category level relates to level of proof of death. See this linked thread Casualty: 'Cat C' ... and then skip from the first post with the query to post 9 to read on from there
This is a list based in 1914 but I guess it would be something similar in 1940+ BRITISH ARMY MEDICAL CATEGORIES A Able to march, see to shoot, hear well and stand active service conditions. Subcategories: Al Fit for dispatching overseas, as regards physical and mental health, and training A2 As Al, except for training A3 Returned Expeditionary Force men, ready except for physical condition A4 Men under 19 who would be Al or A2 when aged 19 B Free from serious organic diseases, able to stand service on lines of communication in France, or in garrisons in the tropics. Subcategories: Bl Able to march 5 miles, see to shoot with glasses, and hear well B2 Able to walk 5 miles, see and hear sufficiently for ordinary purposes B3 Only suitable for sedentary work C Free from serious organic diseases, able to stand service in garrisons at home. Subcategories: Cl Able to march 5 miles, see to shoot with glasses, and hear well C2 Able to walk 5 miles, see and hear sufficiently for ordinary purposes C3 Only suitable for sedentary work D Unfit but could be fit within 6 months. Subcategories: Dl Regular RA,RE, infantry in Command Depots D2 Regular RA,RE, infantry in Regimental Depots D3 Men in any depot or unit awaiting treatment TD added See second post in this forum - Army Medical Catagories (World War Two) - RootsChat.Com Another set from the Australian Military - https://www.dva.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/consultation and grants/repatriation/PO_HBook_ch5.pdf Found in one of dbf's post 4 on this thread - 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945 Fate of Crew: Commander: Severe burns of face and hands requiring skin grafting. Still in hospital 21 Jul 1945. Medical Board Category D for 3/12. I would assume this meant the person in question would be basically unfit for service for at least 3 months (3/12)
I know the British Tommy was considered tough but being KIA is raather more serious than temporarily unfit!!