Ex-soldier and ?? 1921 Scottish census

[josey]

The middle entry is the employment column of the 1921 Scottish census for John Skilling aged 18 y 6 m.

It looks like 'Ex-soldier never in Education' to me. Does anyone think differently please?

And does 'O/W' means out of work?

Thanks

[Cas (stallc)]

Never in Saturation

Means - Never in an attack, I think?

Cas

[josey]

Aha, thanks. But seems strange to be an ex-soldier at 18 doesn't it?

[arthurk]

'Never in situation', perhaps? - meaning he's never had a job.

[JenB]

Never in situation.

Added code 999 is ‘Retired or not gainfully employed’ …’Ex-other ranks & ratings, Naval or Military (not otherwise described)’

[josey]

OK yes I can see that now, thanks.

ADDED: His name was John Banks Skilling b 1903 to Andrew Skilling and Agnes Thomson. I will try to find him in military records.

[Cas (stallc)]

Could be that he was discharged as unfit for duty? As it seems he was out of work maybe stating ex soldier saved face?

Cas

[josey]

Thanks for the addition JenB. I don't suppose the enumerator would have checked if 'ex-soldier' was correct, but yes, he may have been discharged [or not enlisted] as unfit to serve.

ADDED: His mother had died in 1914 when he was 11, 2 younger brothers and 2 younger sisters were in industrial schools in 1921, another younger brother I have not yet accurately located in 1921. Probably the army seemed a good idea.