returning the sick to thier units

[mick benton]

hi there, i have been looking into the hull pals battalions. by 1917 there appears to be a lot of service numbers which are not from these battalions. were wounded men often sent to differant units? as for conscripts and new volenteers, were they sent to units as required and have no say in the matter?

thanks mick b

[truthergw]

Hi Mick. By 1917, conscription was in force and men tended to be sent to which ever unit was next in line for reinforcement. I believe a man could generally get his preference if he joined a regular regiment but that would be for a set term of engagement. Wounded men who had been in UK or long stay medical care were usually returned to retraining camps where, when fully fit, they were sent to units in draughts. That would often entail a transfer. Some of the real experts will tell you how that would affect service numbers. I am not up on that. Many men went to extra-ordinary lengths to return to their own units so it could be done but was not the norm.

[mick benton]

thanks for that