• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team

Interpretation of WW2 service records

M

milejo

New Member
Good evening,

I wonder if someone could help me interpret my grandads WW2 service records?

I know from his records that he enlisted in Jan 1940 aged 38 with the Royal Army Service Corps and by August 1941 was a sergent. In the records it then states he was discharged as 'permanently unfit for any form of military service Para 390 (XVI) KR40'. The record then state sthe nature of disability as 'hysteria' and 'percentage of disability a) 70% and b) 60%. I can find lots on the internet about para 390 (XVI) but nothing about hysteria as being a reason and what the percentages mean. I know from his WW1 medal record card that he served with the East Kents in 1916 when he was actually only 15 so wondered if this might be something to do with it.

Would be glad of any help. I'm putting off telling my mom the details as I think she will be upset!

Many thanks

Joanne
 
Hi Joanne and welcome to the forum.
I had a problem interpreting my family war records but got it done thanks to some of the other forum members on here, I'm sure some of them will be able to help, but just to say the forum has been offline for a while tonight, so this may not get picked up until tomorrow.
Sue
 
I have just had a conversation with my good lady wife about this; we often see old medical diagnosis that are no longer used, and therefore lose their original meanings.

Hysteria was often used when a person had lost self control due to an overwhelming fear that may be caused by events in one's past or involved some sort of severe conflict, for example ‘shell shock’.

We don’t know what the percentages mean, but this poor man had lived through two world wars, its no surprise that he became ill.

I hope this helps
 
Thanks for replying to my post, Morturn. I think you are right about the term hysteria. Grandad had a terrible life so its no wonder he was ill like you say. Thanks again

Joanne
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top