The routine of procedure has been briefly as follows: Upon arrival at the Depot, all recruits reported to the non-commissioned officer in charge of the receiving room, and were allotted sleeping accommodation. Medical parade for final approval was held each morning at nine o’clock, and an hour later recruits received their regimental numbers as “finally approved.” Came a parade at quartermaster stores for issue of kit. Transfer clothing statements and clothing ledger being signed, all reported back immediately to the receiving room for the numbering of all articles of kit now in their possession. Civilian clothes were packed and sent to any address the owner might wish, and recruits were turned over to the barrack orderly sergeant who “carried on.”
On discharge, the procedure is practically reversed, and all men report to the postings department, for the checking of documents. These being correct, sleeping quarters are allotted in space set aside for this purpose. The same day, kits are laid out for inspection, and inventories taken under the supervision of an officer. These, being signed also by each man concerned, are sent to the Quartermaster’s office, and checked against the original clothing statements. Deficiency slips—should such result—(showing articles deficient, if any, and their value) go then to the postings department, to be checked against pay and mess book. This information is sent to the officer in charge Records, on receipt of whose signal that discharge may be proceeded with, an order is issued to the contractor for civilian clothing to provide authorized civilian outfit. The man’s kit is turned into the Quartermaster’s store No. 4, where another inventory of articles is made and forwarded to the Quartermaster’s office, to be again checked against the original clothing statement. Forms showing actual shortages of kit are submitted to the Paymaster and a copy of Can. 638 (Particulars on Discharge) to the Pay Department.
Since the inception of the brigade approximately 16,000 men have passed through this unit. The process of demobilization will require the above procedure of discharge to be applied to a strength of not less than 12,000.
R.A.F. Can.—Pay Allowance and Cadet Sustenance
Total Feb. 1917 to Oct. 1918—$10,666,196.00