The Repatriation case file system (with the exception of a few special and isolated groups) developed from the allocation of a single consecutive case file numbering system for 1914-1918 War Veterans.

Each subsequent (Australian) War, Campaign and Defence Service file series was allocated a single consecutive numbering control to which was added a distinguishing letter prefix.  Additionally, files for all British cases, other Dominions cases and any other specific category of beneficiaries also received distinguishing letter prefixes to the single consecutive number registrations.

The original Repatriation General (Australian) case files were identified by the prefix "R" to which was added "M" (Medical) part file and when the need arose, separately registered "C" (Pension) and "H" (Hospital) files were created.

1939-1945 War general files were distinguished from 1914-1918 War general files by adding an "X" to the "R" prefix.  The Korean Malayan Campaign files were identified by using "KM".

The "R", "RX" and "RKM" general files with attached "M" part files and separately registered "C" and "H" files represented the Australian Repatriation system until 1955.

From 1956 the "R", "RX" and "RKM" general filing system was discontinued in favour of a three part filing system connecting the "M", "C" and "H" parts with one single number allocation.  The War or Campaign prefixes were continued thus:
1914-1918  War - "M", "H" and "C" with one single veteran's number   1939-1945  War - "MX", "HX" and "CX" with one single veteran's number
Korean Malayan Campaign - "MKM", "HKM" and "CKM" with one single veteran's number.

Sub files to the part files received the same single veteran's number. Dependants' sub files were identified by the additional letter "B" (e.g. "MBX") and the veteran's number.

Allied forces and other categories of beneficiaries were allocated part files "M", "C" and "H" as separate registrations and developed to the one registration numbering system with two or three parts by 1956.

Since the issue of the Repatriation Disposal Schedule RDA 572 (replacing Disposal Schedules S297 and S388) the "H" and "M" part files have been designated for permanent retention while the "C" part files have been given temporary sentences.

The "M" (Medical) files are created on receipt of new disability claims, claims for acceptance of death as due to war service, and also for service pensions and claims where no "M" file is in existence.

Medical files contain all papers relating to medical administrative matters including reports from local medical officers, entitlement claims, reviews, applications for surgical aids, sustenance claims and payment of accounts, etc.

Clinical record "H" files are created when a new disability claim is accepted, when a new entitlement is granted or a diagnosis and report or treatment or admission is made, if no clinical record file exists.

The clinical record file will contain all clinical data relating to the investigation of the actual veteran so as to provide a complete original clinical history for the hospital at all times.  The clinical record file is created for use by, and is located in, the hospital.

This series consists of case files of South African Veterans of the 1914 - 1918 War. Medical entitlements were administered by the Australian Government on behalf of the South African Government. This series is transferred to Archives after the death of the Veteran.
Quantity in agency custody
3.5m as at 15/11/1993

Controlling series unregistered

Register of personal case files with "SA" prefix (numerically arranged) 
Archive movement cards (numerically arranged)