[Mike B]

I would much appreciate any guidance from members regarding reseach into two Middle East Commando knives:

One bears the inscription:
Capt Emery 12633

The other
Major Emery 12633

No initials, or parent regiment are given.

This second item has some further illegible ink detail on the scabbard strap, it is possible one word reads 'Arab' but this is not certain.

Having looked through the London Gazette, there is a potential reference to our man as follows:

The undermentioned, from R.A.O.C. (No. 2
Officer Cadet Training Wing), to be 2nd Lts.
*6th Apr. 1940: —

Cpl. Alan Harry Augustus EMERY
(126533).

It is interesting that the Service Number of Cpl Emery - per this reference (126533) - has just one extra digit than on the knives (12633).

I wondered if this could be the same Emery, given the same Surname and repetition of all but one digit of Service Number.

Does any one know what practice was adopted regarding Service Numbers when an 'other rank' was commissioned?

Many thanks for any thoughts

Mike

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For completion and interest only:
Having looked further at the London Gazette I also find the service number 12633 with the following references:

H.L.I.
Capt. J. A. E. Ralston (12633), to be Bt.
Maj. 2nd Sept. 1941.

To be Additional Officers of the Military Division of
the said Most Excellent Order:—
Captain and Brevet Major (temporary Major) John
Alexander Eben Ralston (12633), retired pay,
The. Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow
Regiment) (Res. of Off.) (Lewes, Sussex).

There are several other references.

.................................................. .

Any clarification would be gratefully appreciated

Mike