J Rankin, Tynemouth RGA, 'Secret-on formation unit'

[charlie962]

John Rankin 138817, Gnr RGA, has surviving  Service Records on FMP. He joined the Territorials pre-war-8thDLI (attest'n on FMP) then Argylls then Tynemouth RGA (no 558). He was born Holy Island 1887  and was a miner at Birtley.

 

I am puzzled by the entry 1916/17 where it seems to say 'Authority instructions of GOC Northern Command secret on formation of unit'. What is this about ? Does it relate to 19 AA Coy RGA or another unit? Why secret?

 

                 

 

Edit: I have just seen this previous thread on 19thAA coy which has a formation date 26/8/16 which ties up with Rankin's service record; But no mention of 'secret'!

 

Thanks in advance, Charlie962

Edited 15 October , 2016 by charlie962

[sotonmate]

Secret may have been something to do with the planned expansion of the number of AA units, or just the way the Command worked. They may have wished to keep their actions from common knowledge.

[ss002d6252]

I think I read it the same - the formation of the unit was to be kept secret.

Craig

[charlie962]

Thank you both. I am surprised it needed noting on his Service Record?

 

I have found this clipping which is for the same man, courtesy FMP

           

 

Charlie962

 

[ss002d6252]

I think sometimes the clerk just copied the full details down.  Some clerks seem to have been more particular than others.

 

Craig