In times long gone, once a soldier enlisted, he was expected to serve the full term for which he enlisted. He could not "resign" by giving notice, etc. In order to secure an early discharge, he could pay for the privilege. Alternatively, he might try for a dishonourable discharge, but that often carried the risk of prison. Sorry, but I don't know when "Discharge by Purchase" became obsolete. Officers could buy & sell their commissions. That came to an end after the Crimean War. Peter THOMAS Darwin, AUSTRALIA <pmthomas@bigpond.com> -----Original Message----- From: Rosalee [mailto:rosaleeshaw@ozemail.com.au] Sent: Wednesday, 29 March 2006 6:21 AM To: AUS-MILITARY-L@rootsweb.com Subject: "Discharge by Purchase" I have an ancestor who was in the 28th Regiment of Foot (North Gloucestershire) and i have found a reference to his discharge which says "discharge by purchase" can anyone tell me what this means please? rosie ______________________________