Military Chat

Was this something done within the armed services, especially war time.

My Dad's WW2 service ended as a corporal in the RAF police. But we were told he was originally in the Army, and that the unit he was serving in was disbanded. He had the chance of joining another unit, or transfer into the RAF. He chose the latter option.

Has anyone heard of this before?

I am fortunate to have my Dad's RAF service book, which has his enlistment and demob dates, and some other details in it, (the book is about half an A5 size).

He served in Hong Kong.
Corporal RAF Police
21 Provost Detachment Kowloon Docks.

There is reference to service in India. (Could this have been when he was in the army)?

There are photos where he is wearing a Khaki uniform, wearing what looks like a slouch hat, and shorts. It looks like it co army uniform. Although it is B&W and maybe uniforms could have looked similar.

However, these are some details I have copied out of the service book that should clear up that part of his service. I am going to include his service number, in case that helps anyone who has access to records I don't, if you do I hope you can help. This is what I've seen.

Dates of service 13/7/40 - 5/4/46

Middle East 14/4/41 - 2/4/44
India 2/10/45 - 5/4/46
Before the word India it looks like it has Alsea i.e. Alsea India
That is only an assumption.

There are some periods of time missing,
13/7/40 - 13/4/41. Was this when he was in the Army, before the RAF ?
3/4/44 - 1/10/45. Includes time that he was stationed in Scotland


Please let me know if I can clarify anything.

Thank you in advance

People still transfer between army/RAF/navy it's unusual but not unique. They even transfer for short secondments 2 -3 yrs to Commonwealth army/air force/navy e.g. Australia and visa versa.

Records for the period in question are not on line.

I understand that transfers can happen especially (or rather perhaps) if a particular skillset or profession is involved. It was more a question if anyone had heard of units in the Army being disbanded, and an option to move to another unijt in the army, or transfer as my Dad did, into the RAF.

I realise the records wouldn't be online, hence my post on Genes.

I understand that transfers can happen especially (or rather perhaps) if a particular skillset or profession is involved. It was more a question if anyone had heard of units in the Army being disbanded, and an option to move to another unijt in the army, or transfer as my Dad did, into the RAF.

I realise the records wouldn't be online, hence my post on Genes.

Apologies for the double post of the last message.