1939 register. Now I know why an ancestor is not there.

[coombs]

Ancestry have just published some army discharge records from 1920 to 1971 for people born before 1901. And my ancestor George Musgrave born 1891 is listed. Family lore from a daughter (my great aunt who died in 2011) did say that in 1939 aged 48 he joined the army at the outbreak of WW2. When my nan wed in 1940 she said he was a soldier under father name and rank.

He is listed in the 1939-1971 Army other ranks discharge from the DLI (Durham Light Infantry). Service No D/8715. It gives his DOB and the ref number ADH001227451. No info as yet on what battalion but it may have been the 2nd which left Britain for France in late Sep 1939. The 1939 register was taken 29th Sep 1939. He may have just missed it.

[josey]

How exciting to make a new find & solve a mystery. Also prove a family story correct!!

[coombs]

How exciting to make a new find & solve a mystery. Also prove a family story correct!!

Yes it is like winning the lottery when you find out more on an ancestor. The exact date of discharge is not given but the new records provide the ref number and service number to get the info.

[barryd]

"He may have just missed it." (Army Service)"

If the person was in the Army in the time before the 1939 Register was taken regardless if he was
still in a camp or had been posted somewhere else he should not be counted. Had he been counted he could have been fed in the Army as well as having a ration book for home. That was what the Register did not want.

[JAKnighton]

Can post a name or link to this database?

EDIT: Never mind, I've found it. My 2x great uncle is in there.

[coombs]

Although I have since read that in April 1939 that anyone inbetween the age of 21 and 41 was eligible to be called up. The age was raised to 51 in 1942. In Sep 1939 my ancestor was 48 years old so would still be seen as too old if the maximum age of 41 was imposed. ?? I did try googling but found nothing yet. Were there some exceptions to the rule or could he have lied? Or did he join up again in about 1942 and there is another reason why he was not counted in the 1939 register?

He is deffo on the discharge lists but the date or at least year is not given but it says Discharges 1939-1971. G Musgrave born 18 March 1891.

[Marmalady]

Maybe there was a difference depending on whether he volunteered (so age did not matter if still fit) and being called-up -- ie forced to join the forces

[coombs]

Maybe there was a difference depending on whether he volunteered (so age did not matter if still fit) and being called-up -- ie forced to join the forces

Thanks. I did meet my great aunty in 2009 and she died in 2011. I seem to remember her saying something about him volunteering, I was just worried when it said in 1939 anyone up to 41 was called up, but it probably was different for volunteers.

My guess is George was in the 2nd battalion. I know there was 16 battalions but the first 2 were regular and I think the 1st btn was not posted abroad until early 1940.

[verrieres]

Hello,

I`m a bit late coming into this but I`m about to throw a spanner into the works,sorry. The number `D/8715` is a `Home Defence Battalion or Home Guard Number` he would not have served outside of the UK. definitely not 2nd DLI in 1939-45 with that number.

There`s a George Musgrave (same date of birth) with pre and WW1 service with the Coldstreams (enlisted 1911) wounded 3 times then deserted (Rejoined and tried by GFCM  but continued to serve) Enlisted in Sunderland No 9327 later 2646498. 11 Pease Street,Bishop Auckland? Perhaps the same man? Father George mother Isabella Musgrave 22 Pease St St Helens Bishop Auckland,
This George Musgrave had a final Army number of 2646498 which,had he rejoined or been recalled to the colours (to a regular or territorial unit) he would have retained .

Jim