Acting Rank in WW1

[woofas]

My grandfather served 21 years in the RASC rising to Quarter Master Sergeant (for 8 years) before being demobbed in 1914 in Ireland.  In 1915 on returning to England and at the age of 46, he enlisted in the North Staffs Regiment and was given the rank of Private - acting QMS.  He held this rank until being demobbed again in 1920.
Can anyone explain why he was given this rank rather than QMS? He had an excellent disciplinary record.

[cathaldus]

One he had finished his term of service,  he became a civilian and his rank ceased to exist.  Unlike a commissioned officer who can use their rank is civvie street (e.g.captain (ret'd).   When he re-enlisted in 1915,  he was in effect quite old,  and it was possible that the "establishment" of his new regiment did not have a vacancy for an SQMS (WO11).  He may well have been seconded to the QMS stores staff because of his past experience.  Even if a vacancy was to occur,  it is likely that existing serving Staff Sergeants would have had seniority in the regimental pecking order.

Bill

[Pete Keane]

Fortunately, he would have been paid as a QMS whilst 'acting'.

[DeeBoneham]

Did he go into the North Staffs as a member of a TA unit.  If so they may not have had a quartermaster staff if small enough so have used his experience in that area (what they call the establishment figures).  To ensure that he could do what he needed to he would have been made a rank that people would respond to (where regulars would ignore a private they arent going to do that to someone of his acting rank.  I agree that he would have been paid it..

Quite an honour to have been bumped up that many ranks! Must have had special skills!

Dee