How to Read - Curry & Marchment - Research Family War Diaries

This site is dedicated to my Grandfather, who disappeared after returning from WWI. He fought for my freedom which I know does not come without cost. I am eternally grateful for his efforts and what he stood for. I love you Grandad, good on ya mate. FOR KING & COUNTRY. R.I.P. Albert Alfred Curry.

Service Records provide what information?

First of all check that all personal details in your Service Record are correct and match up with your soldier or individual. This is very important because you do not want the wrong documents and waste valuable time on research.

Always remember one thing that Service Records are pay books. Most of these documents meanings given below relate to a pay change. Example, when you were sick to hospital or on leave you received different pay that is why it is recorded.

World War One Service Records usually contain the following documents and in most cases you should be able to read and find these details.

Document 1: Cover Sheet

Document 2: Attestation Papers

Page 1: Service No, Name, Unit (Appointed to) Joined on (Enlisted Date)
Name, Place of birth, Natural born, Age, Trade of calling, Apprentice, Married, Next of kin, Convicted, Ever been discharged, Ever served in the forces, Unfit,
No separation allowance, Prepared to undergo inoculations. (Signature)

Page 2: Certificate of Attesting Officer (Signature)
Oath to be taken by person enlisted (Oath to serve the king)
Taken and subscribed at (signed at eg. Holdsworthy)

Page 3: Physical Characteristics, Medical condition and Religion.
Certificate of Medical Examination (Signature)
Certificate of Commanding Officer (Signature) appointed to what Unit

Document 3: Statement of Service

Units in which served
Promotions, Reductions, Casualties
Period of service in each rank (From and To)
Remarks
Abbreviations used, Not all entries are in chronological order

Document 4: Casualty Form - Active Service

Start with (Place and Date) first in the middle of each entry then move to the left
and read the Report section second. (Date and From whom received)
Not all entries are in chronological order. Some entries are mixed above and below.
Documents can be hand written or typed

Document 5: Medals page - Discharge details

General Service medals Star, British War, Victory issued (NE- not eligible)
Number, Rank, Name, Unit, (normally engraved on the outer edge)
Returned to Australia (Troopship) embarked/ disembarked
Discharged

Examples of my family's troopships WWI

Albert Alfred Curry (A15) Star of England, (RTA) Plassy
Henry Ernest Curry (A29) Suevic, (RTA) Beltana

Henry John Marchment (A29) Suevic, (RTA) Tros os Montes
Robert Westall Marchment (A29) Suevic, (RTA) Tros os Montes
Stan Hastings Marchment (A29) Suevic