Interpreting Register of Personal Effects WW1

[penstemon5]

Hello,
How did my great uncle end u "In debt to the Regiment" on his Effects form.
I have always seen back pay listed there, returned to the next of kin.
He joined the Kings Own Scottish Borderers in July 1913 and was killed at Ypres on 18/11/14.
They wrote to his Aunt, his closest relative to inform her of the debt.
Thanks.
Penstemon

[Pennines]

This is probably a really stupid response -- I know that soldiers were punished for breaking rules - being drunk, etc usually by forfeiting pay or being confined --- but did they ever get 'fined' I wonder?

[jim1]

Not fined but physically punished, usually confined to Barracks for being drunk. More serious offences usually involved Field Punishment.
It looks like he's had an advance for whatever reason but died before paying it back, probably due to be deducted from pay.
It may also depend on his rank. Mess bills may have been run up.
Knowing who he is might help.

[medpat]

Loss of part of his kit could also put him in debt.

[penstemon5]

Thanks all.
His name was Joseph Edwards Pte 11553 King's Own Scottish Borderers. Born Liverpool 1893. (though CWGC seem to think he was born later. On their website they say he was 15. I don't know where they got that from)I haven't found a service record. Is there any way to find out if there was some misdemeanor which resulted in a fine?
Thanks,
Penstemon)

[jim1]

As has been said may be loss of kit which would have to be paid for. Misdemeanours aren't recorded except on service records but they wouldn't prompt a fine.

[Pennines]

Just checked him on Commonwealth War Graves site -- yes he is shown as only 15 years old.

Do you know I am really impressed with Joseph -- he was responsible enough to be concerned about his debt, to the degree that he wrote to his aunt about it. How many would do that!

His aunt is probably the one mentioned on the CWGC site.

(I know this doesn't help with your actual query -- but just thought I would mention my impression of him.)