I am interested in the background to WW2 demob. My grandfather's Release Book has several dates, ranging from Nov 1945 (officer's testimonial GHQ Southern MEF), Dec 1945 (Aldershot's MDCU stamp), Feb 1946 (in the space 'Army Form X 202/A), and Nov 1946. The last date has this 'L26' stamp mark. There are also payment date stamps (looks like Jan 1946) from the local Post Office, which seem to be self-explanatory. So what was going on procedurally? Was Charlie traipsing around getting stamps in person for a year, still in uniform, or was some of this by post? What is 'L26', and is that something to do with the Army Reserves X 202 thing mentioned above? Thanks, Dave
It might be best if you attach a copy of the documents you mention so members can see them in context. It’s usually “easy” to work out a discharge month based on the Release Table - based on month of birth and month of enlistment/conscription (pre Sept 1939 service didn’t count). From records on the forum the date of the testimonial usually preceded the visit to MDCU and the man then went on terminal leave and be allowed to wear civilian clothes - often for as long as 112 days. He would be paid during that leave - via the local Post office. Once he went on to Class Z Reserve at the end of the leave period he wouldn’t receive any more army pay. However a regular (rather than conscript) would go on to Class B Reserve and get quarterly reserve pay. Steve
Thanks for your response Tullybrone Steve. Some useful terms there for me to chase up (Release Table, terminal leave, Class Z). All new to me and very interesting! Please see the requested document scans below.... Just a single stamp on this page for Dec 1945. Three additional dates here, two of which are (for some reason) upside down date stamps.... The 'L26' is presumably some sort of administrator ID or administrative process thing?? Ta, Dave
Hi, Thanks for sharing the documents. Your grandfather appears to have gone on terminal leave about December 1945. It would be a minimum of 56 days plus a variable additional number of days based on the length of his overseas service. His earliest release date would be in mid February 1946 or perhaps as late as early April 1946. I can’t offer an explanation for the stamp on his records dated November 1946 - unless it is an error and ought to be November 1945? Steve
