This series comprises registration forms and registration/training files relating to the National Service Scheme 1965-1972.

As registration forms were received by the Registrar of National Service, each registrant was allotted a consecutive National Service number, blocks of numbers allocated to each state by the Department of Army via Central Office of Labour and National Service.

For registrants excluded by the ballot no further action was taken.

Files were raised for each registrant included by the ballot and contained all subsequent correspondence concerning the particular registrant. Registration forms and files were then divided into categories; excluded by ballot, found unfit, inactive, enlisted, active, and serving in Citizen Forces.

Following completion of the National Service training period, a serviceman became eligible for re-establishment training under the National Service Vocational Training Scheme. In most cases training papers and related correspondence for those servicemen applying for post-service training were placed on the registration files, however, in cases where the registration files could not be located, separate training files were raised for applicants within the Central Registry's annual single number series of correspondence files (B494), which contained training files for various other Training Schemes. When a missing registration file was located, the files were brought and held together.

The registration forms and files were grouped by intake number, divided within these into the above categories and then arranged numerically by National Service registration. However, B518 files in National Archives custody has been arranged alphabetically within intake group.

The registration form (NS 1) consists of one double-sided sheet, headed "Registration for National Service" and gives the following details, completed by the registrant: name, address, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, marital status, next-of-kin, history of education, details of present studies, details of employment - apprenticeship, disabilities, and past service in the Forces.

The registration number is stamped on the top right hand corner of the first page of the form, with the relevant category written in following the ballot.

The registration/training files comprise the registration form, medical examination papers, correspondence with or concerning the registrant and, in the cases of Servicemen opting for re-establishment training, application form and subsequent correspondence concerning training.

The front covers of the files are printed sideways, headed by name of registrant, registration number and archives box number. An addressograph label giving name, address and registration number is adhered in the top right hand corner. Movement columns underneath are headed "Action", "Initials", "Date", and "Registered filing".

The series concluded in January 1973 after the abolition of the National Service Scheme in December 1972.

Related series unregistered

Computer printout of Archives box indexes for National Service
 registration forms and registration/training files, 1968-1973
Computer printout of master copies of Archives box contents for
 National Service registration forms and registration/training files,
 1968-1973
Microfiche index to National Service registration forms and
 registration/training files, 1973

Previous accession system transfers

MP1227/1