The files contain pay papers for men enlisted from South Australia on active service and may include pay books, ledger cards, (occasionally) wills, statutory declarations; details of allotments and applications for war Gratuity payments. The series is arranged alphabetically in two sequences: returned members and deceased members. Some files are extant for aboriginal and female (nursing service) members.
The records of deceased members are generally in fair condition but there has been some white ant and other pest damage. Incorporated in the files are pay records (almost always at least one pay book), birth death and marriage certificates, forms for allotment (which often indicate next of kin and other family), Public Trustee documentation re probate and some private correspondence. Private correspondence is liable to describe life at the front and thoughts just before going into battle.
A number of pay books (often carried in battle dress breast pocket) are damaged consistent with bullet or shrapnel holes. Several pay books appear to be damaged by blood stains.