Pension Card: Elizabeth Stephen, mother of two brothers, one kia, the other missing.

[rolt968]

Could more knowledgeable colleagues interpret the following pension card pleas?

John  Stephen, Pte., 21639, 12 Royal Scots was killed in action as the card says on 4 February 1916.

Henry Burness Stephen, Sgt., S/27418,  6 Cameron Highlanders (formerly 5662, 3/2 Lovat Scouts) was missing from 11 April 1917. He was presumed to have died (on or after 11 April 1917) in January/ February 1918.

Elizabeth Stephen, their mother died on 17 July 1917, while Henry was still officially missing. Her husband, Andrew Stephen had already died in 1915.

1. I know very little about Henry's service. I know that he was still serving with 3/2 Lovat Scouts when John was killed. Why has the reference to Henry been scored out?

2. Was Elizabeth being paid any allowance because Henry was missing?

Many thanks.

RM

[ss002d6252]

9 minutes ago, rolt968 said:

2. Was Elizabeth being paid any allowance because Henry was missing?

Any separation allowance was paid for the 6 months or so until a default decision on death was presumed. (this, incidentally, is why you don't get war pensions being paid until around Feb 1915).

Craig

[rolt968]

48 minutes ago, ss002d6252 said:

Any separation allowance was paid for the 6 months or so until a default decision on death was presumed. (this, incidentally, is why you don't get war pensions being paid until around Feb 1915).

Craig

Thanks, Craig.

Can I draw any conclusions about the reference to Henry Burness Stephen, or its scoring out? I have been trying to match the writing with any other on the card, but it seems to be different from all the rest.

RM

[ss002d6252]

Their pension could increase if there was more than one deceased son who contributed financially to the parents.  I don't think Henry was particularly relevant to the claim though as he was only recorded missing until after her death, she died before the minimum period of 6 months.

The card is a bit of a mess and I have a feeling that it doesn't show all the calculations.

Craig

[rolt968]

44 minutes ago, ss002d6252 said:

Their pension could increase if there was more than one deceased son who contributed financially to the parents.  I don't think Henry was particularly relevant to the claim though as he was only recorded missing until after her death, she died before the minimum period of 6 months.

The card is a bit of a mess and I have a feeling that it doesn't show all the calculations.

Craig

Thanks Craig

A vain hope it might provide some information about Henry Stephen's service.

RM