Help interpreting discharge papers

Discussion in 'Service Records' started by Sanne, Jun 8, 2022.

  1. Sanne

    Sanne Member

    Hello,

    I am looking for records that will help me track my father's actions during WW2. Unfortunately I do not have a lot of experience with this sort of thing, so I am hoping someone here might be able to advice me.

    If you are interested, I have written some background here: Hello (Jewish Brigade)

    What I have is a so-called "discharge book" with the numbers PAL/38574 ("Army Number"). I am fairly certain the letters PAL must stand for Palestinian Regiment, which he belonged to. But I am at a loss for what the numbers might be.
    He was discharged on July the 16th, 1946.
    My father's name was James Spektor.

    I would appreciate any help as to what these numbers might refer to, and also, where I might search for his records. I have heard the National Archives mentioned, but usually service numbers are longer, so I am not sure if searching there might do me any good?

    Many thanks,
    Sanne
     
  2. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Hi,

    As the Palestine Regiment were part of the British Army I would expect that the individual service files would be held by U.K. MOD.

    I’d suggest you apply via this link -

    Get a copy of military service records

    I appreciate it may be more difficult making an application from overseas.

    In relation to his service number - whilst I’m not aware of the full run of Palestine Regiment numbers from a quick look on the CWGC site of war dead for Palestine Regiment I see service numbers are noted in the same format as your fathers - PAL prefix / followed by a 5 figure number.

    I think the number you quote is his Palestine Regiment army service number that you need to use in your application for his service records.

    Good Luck

    Steve
     
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  3. Sanne

    Sanne Member

    Thank you very much for this info! This is extremely helpful!

    Sincerely,
    Sanne
     
    Tullybrone likes this.
  4. AB64

    AB64 Senior Member

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  5. Sanne

    Sanne Member

    Sorry for my lack of knowledge - but what are RA, RAOC, RASC,Pioneer corps and ATS? My dad was a driver, but I don’t know if that has anything to do with it?

    Also, there’s a note from an officer saying that although my dad spent a “short while in depot”, he seems to be a good hardworking sort. I wonder if depot was some sort of slang for jail? He did say he had an altercation that landed him in detention for a bit. Does anyone know?
     
  6. AB64

    AB64 Senior Member

    Royal Artillery - Royal Army Ordnance Corps - Pioneer Corps - Auxiliary Territorial Service, if he was a driver that would give the impression he was with the Royal Army Service Corps, but as you can imagine all units needed drivers

    Is it possible to post up scans of what you have as it may give clues that aren't immediately obvious
     
  7. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Depot doesn’t mean jail. It likely means he was based at his Regimental HQ Barracks at one time - perhaps in a training role or as a “holding/temporary” posting between operational postings or even while waiting for a posting after recovery from an injury. His full service record will likely answer the question.

    Steve
     
  8. Sanne

    Sanne Member

    I see - in that case I think I know what the depot refers to :)
    But I guess I will have to muster some patience!
     

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