Application for discharge on medical grounds

[Beau Geste]

I have a service record for a gunner in the RGA. He began his service as Gnr 2491 Henry Tyson on 14th Sept 1915. On the 28th March he applied for "Discharge of a recruit as not likely to become an efficient soldier". According to Army Form B204 he was examined by a medical officer of 130th (3rd C/Palatine Heavy Battery RGA) who wrote on his AFB 204 "Pulmonary Tuberculosis - unfit for Military Service".

On the bottom of the page, perhaps by the same officer, is written : " No board yet available"

A serious question suggests itself here: Did the statement 'Pulmonary Tuberculosis' come from a detailed medical examination of Tyson by qualified practitioners , perhaps after he reported sick with symptoms that couldn't be ignored, and If so how did the Army's medical services, however strained, miss this on his attestation medical ?

A second question is equally significant. If, in March 1916, qualified doctors arrived at this diagnosis why was he allowed to serve on until he was killed in action in 1918?

His service record contains no evidence of a "follow-up" medical investigation.

Harry

[sotonmate]

Harry

In my experience of records it is usually the Army which decides on discharge of a recruit as not likely to become an efficient soldier. Out of interest I took a look at the service record and noticed that there were two records,one for another soldier with a 6 figure number. I couldn't see a page for Henry with what you say,but I may have missed it ! Not brilliant quality repro.

[David Ridgus]

A second question is equally significant. If, in March 1916, qualified doctors arrived at this diagnosis why was he allowed to serve on until he was killed in action in 1918?

His service record contains no evidence of a "follow-up" medical investigation.

Harry

And if it is as it appears how many people did he infect in the intervening two years. It seems incredible.

[Beau Geste]

Harry

In my experience of records it is usually the Army which decides on discharge of a recruit as not likely to become an efficient soldier. Out of interest I took a look at the service record and noticed that there were two records,one for another soldier with a 6 figure number. I couldn't see a page for Henry with what you say,but I may have missed it ! Not brilliant quality repro.

No the quality is poor. I have to use a magnifying glass to read some of it. Henry Tyson had two numbers 2491 and then 293495. It was while he was 2491 that this occurred. The relevant page number is 0403.

Harry

And if it is as it appears how many people did he infect in the intervening two years. It seems incredible.

Good point!

Harry