Gday Going back through the archives I noticed the above discussion, esp about letter "D" brandings on convicts. For what it's worth, a particular convict ancestor of mine, was a soldier, he had a "D" "under his left arm". Now this was a tattoo, not a branding. Speaking with an academic who has an interest in this subject, he suggested the "D" often stood for desertion, was usually a brand, and often placed on the _outer arm_. Given mine was heavily tattooed this may have been the only place left to make the "D" noticeable. It was interesting to read that another convict had a "D" under the armpit of all places. Regards Brent