Notes
The Officer's Record of Services (Army Book 439) was produced by the War Office, London. Dimensions: 14cm., Pagination: 13p.
Every officer whose permanent rank was below that of Lt Col was to be supplied with a record of services book, ‘Army Book 439’ which was to be kept up according to the instruction contained within it. Apparently this document was only created and issued toward the end of the First World War.
Army Book 439 was an officer’s record of services and not an identity card. A printed page to this effect was subsequently issued to each officer with instructions to stick it into the booklet. The booklet was designed to contain an officer’s personal details and service history. Items included the date of birth, home address, next of kin, and pre-war occupation. Others were the battalions and regiments the officer served with, languages spoken, courses attended and promotions received, extra-regimental employment (eg time spent as an instructor), mentions in despatches and any rewards. The officer also has to keep a record of any inoculations received.
The commanding officer had to sign to indicate the veracity of the information. There was also an opportunity for the CO to put in comments on the performance of the officer.
Originally created in the latter part of WW1 then done away within the inter-war period, the AB439 was reintroduced in an improved form in 1941 to allow an officer to carry with him a record of his promotions, service at home or abroad, details of courses attended, and much more.