<<snipped>> The fiche copy of his enlistment details is difficult to read but says that his term was unlimited. I suppose this is a euphemism for a life sentence. <<snipped>> No, it's just a term for engagement with no specific length. The Army would have no use for soldiers who were unfit by reason of age, disease or wound. And judging by the terms of some people referred to in various record office indices, it was almost as common then to make people redundant as it is now - except there'd be no cash compensation. Adrian B