Soldiers Wills, the Great War.

[johnniegarve]

Folks, first question of the New Year! The soldiers wills of men killed, held at the National Archives of Scotland, are largely flimsy pieces of paper torn from army paybooks. Were the men of the Scottish Regiments required to write these by their officers, how widespread was the practise, did many men die intestate?

[LesleyB]

http://www.nas.gov.uk/guides/soldiersWills.asp
may give you some background information

[johnniegarve]

That's great Lesley, very informative, thanks!

[Montrose Budie]

Folks, first question of the New Year! The soldiers wills of men killed, held at the National Archives of Scotland, are largely flimsy pieces of paper torn from army paybooks. Were the men of the Scottish Regiments required to write these by their officers, how widespread was the practise, did many men die intestate?

Soldiers were encouraged by their NCOs and officers to complete the will forms in their paybook, but there was no compulsion to do so.

Onviously, many died intestate.

mb