Protection Certificate

This certificate – “Protection Certificate and Certificate of Identity (soldier not remaining with the Colours), Army Form E 11” – was issued to Sergeant George Mourilyan Sladden, then based at Aldershot, on 19th January 1919 at Chiseldon. He received an advance of £2 and saying that was granted 28 days’ leave. On 27th January, 5th February and 14th February 1919 George cashed Army Money Orders; these were stamped as Chiswick Bedford Park.

A Savings Bank Book was issued on 21st March 1919. A note on the back says that a ration book was issued on 20th January 1919.

Legally, a man could not wear his uniform more than 28 days after discharge, so upon demobilisation men were supplied with civilian suits by the Royal Army Clothing Department. Before he left his unit, each man was given a plain clothes form and a certificate of employment. When he went to a dispersal centre he received a "protection certificate", a railway ticket to get home, a pay advance, a fortnight’s ration book, and a voucher for the return of his greatcoat. He had the option of a clothing allowance or a suit of plain clothes.