When and how were the cards produced

[Old Tom]

I tried this question earlier but it did not attract attention. Another go !

As I understand their function they record the basic details (number rank name and regiment or corps) of each soldier that left UK during the war and the decorations to which he was entitled or had been awarded. There are over 5 million of them in alphabetical order of surname and initials.

The question in my mind is, if that was their only function and it seems that their completion was a huge task, when and broadly how was it tackled? I assume the detail would have to be extracted from the nominal roles of units as they were posted overseas plus the detail of individuals leaving the training organisations. Was the record built up as the days went by from 1914 onwards, or was it a tremendous job when the war ended?

Some account of the process would be fascinating.

Old Tom

[andyspiller]

Tom

I think that they were built up over time.

The writing on a typical MIC is not all in the same hand.

Rgds

Andy

[Michael]

Good question Tom. I can't help but will watch this thread with interest.

Mick