WW1 soldiers Paybook for use on active service.

As part of their official record of service, soldiers were issued with a document that served as a log book, The Pay book  was to be carried at all times and to be produced on request for examination by Officers or regimental police.

Contents to be filled out:

• Regimental number
• Dates of enlistment
• Ranks
• awards
• Skill at arms
• Charges sick record
• record of pay
• Next of kin
• Will

The Pay book was a valuable document proof of identification both as a battlefield casualty and when receiving pay. Page 13 of the pay book has a will which must be filled out by soldiers moving up the front line for the first time. The pay book was to be carried in the top right tunic pocket.