General Forms And Documents
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SHIP INSTRUCTIONS
......The troopship carried the maximum number of personnel
possible; there was still the ever present danger of mines for quite a
time after the war. Therefore it was mandatory to carry life belts at all
times. Concerts and tombola were laid on to help alleviate the boredom
and some personnel found that getting up to a bit of mischief also helped.
......Kenneth Wells found a spot of work helping in the galley helped;
it even brought the reward of some tinned cake, which he took home to his
mother.
......The journey by ship was cramped, transporting large numbers of personnel, but as you can imagine, this did not matter, they had survived greater hardships, they were going home.
......Writing this brought the words of Pte Kenneth Wells to the forefront of my mind, so much so I had to include them....
“It was bloody crowded those ships, but as I reached the coast we all looked over the side of the ship, it listed by the sheer weight in numbers, I saw England for the first time in years, it was great to be home. Then it hit me a lot of our boy’s will never see home again, they were so young. It brought a lump to my throat. But that’s War!”
INSTRUCTIONS FOR AIR TRAVEL AND ARRIVAL
......Before going aboard, the personnel would ensure they had their rations,
mug, knife, fork and spoon for their meals en route. Filled their water
bottle, blankets and kitbag weighed. Smokers were advised to have a good
smoke before, as smoking was prohibited, in and around fifty feet of the
aircraft. Cotton wool was recommended to dampen the sound of the aircrafts
engine noise.
......Should oxygen mask be provided, make sure you understand how it works,
seek advice from a member of the crew if you do not. Take note of the emergency
exit, light switches and lavatory.
......Upon arrival in the U.K. movement orders and medical certificates
were checked by Embarkation Staff, and baggage unloaded. Personnel were
allowed to send a personal telegram to their loved ones letting them know
they had arrived safely. Personnel were dispatched to the Air Transit Centre
in LONDON.
ARRIVAL BY SEA
......Upon arrival in the U.K. movement orders and medical certificates were checked by Embarkation Staff, accompanied baggage having been unloaded and passed through customs, like customs today some personnel were selected for a baggage check and others waved on, which was the case for L/Cpl. William Lowe who brought home a Japanese satchel, and Pte. Kenneth Wells who had a Japanese sword and pistol. These personnel were also permitted to send a telegram.
U.K. RELEASE SCHEMES
"A" and "B"
......Upon disembarking in the U. K., personnel proceeded to Military
Disembarkation Camp Unit (M.D.C.U.); the locations depended on accommodation
and total numbers arriving on the same date, lastly the port of arrival.
Their stay at the M.D.C.U. was estimated between 12 and 18 hours and greatly
dependent on train arrival and departure times.
......Should husband's and accompanying wife's be traveling together they
would part company and go to their respective camps.
......Husband's due for Release "A" would take his documents
and proceed to the M.D.C.U. nearest to his home after three days.
P 1 :: P
2 :: P 3 :: P
4 :: P 5 :: P
6 :: P 7
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