Hello All, please find attached an excerpt from my Maternal Grandfather's record. My Grandfather served 09/11/1929 until 04/02/1949 which I calculate as just short of 20 years. When I received his details his discharge reads "Free after 16 years service", can anyone shed any light on this, thank you.
Could you possibly attach the original document please? After many years on the forum past experience tells me that it’s always best to have sight of the original rather than relying on a transcript which may contain an inaccuracy. On the general point - as the Army was downsizing post WW2 an amendment in regulations was made to allow men who had signed on for 21 years before the war to take their discharge before their 21 years had been served. In normal circumstances men had to buy themselves out but the change in regulations enabled men to take their discharge without payment. Steve
Thanks. I think you’ve posted the transcription that MOD provided over 25 years ago. They now provide original documents. The answer to your query will be in the original papers in his service record file which will be with UK MOD or UK National Archives. You need to apply for them as on the face of it there appears to be an error in the transcript you have posted. Steve
Doing a grand job as usual Steve, I agree that the originals are really important as it is easy to mis-read them particularly the hand written ones, when transcribing.. Your point regarding early discharge being allowed seems relevant here. Cause of Discharge Free after sixteen years service. After reading your notes above. Are they not merely stating that he left before his official service ended, free of charge. I wonder if that last statement on the transcript is on the original or added later. It is also interesting to see how the records were issued in earlier days. MoD appear to have become more pragmatic since, by sending originals. Pressure of work or shortage of staff maybe? TNA seem to be wanting to go back to sending transcripts but have stopped part way by redacting "sensitive" items. Thus causing huge delays in their responses. Some recipients have received emails citing Committee Meetings to discuss release under FOI rules. Hopefully they will settle down soon and establish a standard so that applicants can know what to expect.. Mark, Apologies if I have drifted slightly off thread, I hope you get more info if you contact them.
He may have originally signed up for or extended his service to go to twenty years as at one time that was the minimum for a pension (not inc pension for injuries etc).
The OP may like to look at post #46 in this topic as this man was also discharged (Scots Guards Musician) in 1948 under the 16 year rule - Guards Service and Paybooks The author of that thread Alistair - AB64 - may be able to assist with full chapter and verse on the KR Para authorising the free discharge. Steve
