British “Points” Plan For Demobilisation

Northern Advocate, 16 March 1944, Page 3

British “Points” Plan For Demobilisation

(Special) LONDON, March 15. The British Government is planning a demobilisation scheme whereby men will leave the services according to a “points”/ system. The record of every man in the forces will be studied and each claim for demobilisation will be assessed by awarding points. The men with most points will be released first. Factors which will be taken into account will be age, length of service and service overseas, family responsibilities, and the importance of a man’s pre-war occupation and business responsibilities. Hardship cases will be dealt with outside the scheme, which is unlikely to be applied to women’s services. Members of the House of Commons attended a special demonstration arranged by the Ministry of Supply at the War Office of civilian clothing which will be provided for the demobilised soldier. They saw 150 serving soldiers demonstrating how every man will be able to choose the style and colour of suits and, after receiving a suit, to collect shoes, hat, shirt, collars, a tie, two studs and a raincoat. The utmost care has been taken to ensure that all materials are of the highest grade. Distributing depots will be established throughout the country.