Conscripts in "Allmänna Värnplikten", 1900s - Universal Conscription
(part-1)
Introduction
This article will show how to research conscripts/draftees during the 1900s in the military rolls. The following example presents how to search for a draftee's draft card using his enrollment number which is normally found in the parish records (församlingsbok).The image to the right shows four draftees in uniform m/1910 with the cocked three-cornered hat. The image is shown with consent of Niclas Rosenbalck.
Allmän Värnplikt (Universal Conscription)
The Allotment System was discarded in 1901 and instead Sweden established an army and navy entirely based on a Universal Conscription System called Allmän Värnplikt. This new conscript system was to fully replace the old standing Army and Navy with a military force fully based on conscription. The first draftees received their calling up notice for the new Conscription System in the spring of 1902. The first enrolled men were assigned to the Army. In 1902 about 28,600 conscripts were assigned to the Army but only 1,900 to the Navy.The draftees were according to the new Conscription Act to undergo military training for 150 days followed by three compulsory military refresher courses of 30 days each between the second and the fourth year, in total 240 days. However, a shorter period of training was used during the first years, 1902 - 1907, than the stipulated 240 days. During this period only 172 days of training was used of which the basic training period was 112 days. Not until 1908 the training period was extended to the stipulated 240 days.Draftees weren't assigned to the cavalry until 1908. However, it took several years before the cavalry with its time-consuming horse and ride training mostly consisted on conscripts. It took a long time to be a good rider. The Navy wasn't fully receiving conscripts until after WWI.Every Swedish man was obliged to register for Universal Conscription the year they reached the age of 21 (draft age). In 1914 the draft age was lowered to 20.More information about the Organization of Sweden's Conscription System.
The Parish Records - Församlingsböckerna
When doing genealogy research, it's likely you will eventually find your male ancestors draftee enrollment number in the parish records (församlingsbok). If you have found a man's enrollment number, it means that he had been registered (mustered) for military service. The muster/registration was done the year a young man reached the age of 20 (21 prior to 1914). Normally a draftee was called up into the military service the same year he was mustered/enrolled.In the following example we will search for draftee Jonas Helmer Viklund in the military rolls. I have found Viklund in Roknäs, Piteå rural parish (Landsförsamling) record, Norrbotten (BD). Viklund was born on 1890-12-06.Source: Piteå landsförsamling AIIa:2h (1913-1929) Image 100 / page 2803.The parish record lists Viklund with his military enrollment number: 100 72/1911. See below:
Tutorial 11b: How to Research Conscripts, 1900s,
Sweden
Above, extract from Piteå parish book, Piteå landsförsamling AIIa:2h (1913-1929) Image 90 / page 2802 (AID: v194281.b90.s2802, NAD: SE/HLA/1010154). Left-hand page.The family of Jonas Helmer Viklund is listed above. Jonas Helmer was born on December 6, 1890 and he is listed on line 7. Jonas Helmer received his call-up notice for National Service registration in 1911, then 21 years old.
Above; On the right-hand side in the column labeled "Värnpliktsförhållanden" we find Viklund's enrollment number at line 7: 100 72/1911.
What was a Draftee Muster? (Mönstringar)
Every young man was required to register to be drafted for military service. The draftee muster/registration was carried out the year the young men reached the age of 20 (21 prior to 1914). They were that year called-up for registration in the Universal Conscription Service and entered into the enrollment roll (inskrivningslängd). The muster was an examination of the potential draftee's physiques and their medical and mental status to find out if they were fit for military service. The men approved for military service were assigned a personal enrollment number which was entered in the roll together with assigned branch of the Army (infantry, cavalry, artillery, fortification etc.) or the Navy. Most draftees were assigned to the Army since the Army needed a great deal of soldiers. A draft card was made up for the draft registrants approved for military service.Normally a draftee was called up into the military service the same year he was mustered/enrolled.The military service was a military training period which was carried out at the assigned regiment, in most cases a locally garrisoned regiment.At the muster each draftee was also assigned an enrollment book. This enrollment book was the draftee’s personal belonging and had to be presented every time the draftee reported for duty.Example of a Military enrollment book for conscripts, 1907
The Enrollment Number
Between 1902 and 1942 military enrollment numbers (draftee service numbers) where noted in the form SSS RRR/YY were SSS is the conscript’s personal serial number in the roll, RRR is the roll keeping area (rullföringsområde) in the enrollment area and YY the year of enrollment of the conscript.Jonas Helmer Viklund's enrollment number was 100 72/1911, which means that 100 was his personal serial number in the enrollment roll, 72 is the roll keeping area (draft board) where he was enrolled and 1911 the year of enrollment.Viklund was born in in 1890 and was 21 years old in 1911, which was the year he came of draft age.The next thing to do is to find the regiment where he did his military service. The roll keeping area code in the enrollment number will be of great help in finding the name of the regiment.In 1901 the number of enrollment areas were reduced to 26 but they still corresponded to infantry regiment enrollment areas. However, the enrollment areas were given new names. The new names now corresponded to the county names (län). For example, Norrbotten Enrollment Area.Each Enrollment Area was subdivided into 3 Roll Keeping Areas (Draft Boards).Which draft board a draftee was called-up to depended on his place of residence (home address).The enrollment rolls were kept per roll keeping area (draft board). Each draftee was entered in the enrollment rolls (inskrivningslängd) and each individual were identified by an enrollment number (inskrivningsnummer).By looking at the chart of roll keeping areas we can convert the roll keeping area code to the name of the roll keeping area. Such a chart is at Military enrollment numbers for conscripts (draftees) (opens in a new window).
At the page referenced by the link above you chose "Enrollment areas/Roll keeping areas 1902 - 1942".Scroll down in the chart until you find the roll keeping area code found in the draftee's enrollment number, in this case 72. The roll keeping area code is in the first column of the chart labeled "RO".In the chart we will find that roll keeping area code 72 corresponds to Piteå rullföringsområde (Piteå Roll Keeping Area) which during the years 1902 - 1942 was belonged to Norrbottens inskrivningsområde (Norrbotten Enrollment Area). Jonas Helmer Viklund was enrolled in 1911.
We now know that Viklund was drafted in 1911 in Piteå rullföringsområde (Piteå Roll Keeping Area [Draft Board]) which belonged to Norrbottens inskrivningsområde (Norrbotten Enrollment Area). Further information about the draftee can be found in the enrollment rolls (inskrivningslängd) for the roll keeping area in question for year 1911. Thereafter he can be searched for in the so-called stamrulla (a military service roll) for more information about his military service. However, in 1918 the stamrulla was replaced by the new stamkort/värnpliktskort (draft cards). There was a draft card issued for each draftee. The draft card contained personal information about the draftee as well as notes about his military service. When the new stamkort was introduced in 1918 the old conscript rolls (stamrulla) were converted to the new draft cards for the men drafted prior to this year (but still of draft age).Viklund was enrolled as a draftee in 1911. Since he in 1918 still was of draft age also his service data was converted into the new draft cards (stamkort).Below we will search for Viklund in the draft cards.
The Draft Cards (Värnpliktskort / Stamkort)
Each roll keeping area kept their own roll, i.e. a draft card for respective draftee. The draft cards hold information such as name of the draftee, date of birth, assigned branch of the army/navy, service data (basic training as well as refresher courses and of course active service during the two world wars), military position, possible promotion, possible respite with military service, possible exemption from military service, registration authority and often but not always: address of residence, possible punishments, civil occupation, etc.Next we will search for Jonas Helmer Viklund's draft card (stamkort). When he was enrolled in 1911 he lived in Roknäs no 1, Piteå Landsförsamling (BD) [parish]. Source: Piteå landsförsamling AIIa:2h (1913-1929) Image 90 / page 2802. Viklund's enrollment number (inskrivningsnummer) was 100 72/1911.From his enrollment number we know that he in 1911 was enrolled by Piteå Draft Board (rullföringsområde), 72, Norrbotten Enrollment Area. Therefore, we start by looking at the draft cards for Piteå draft board. The draftees are ordered by enrollment number so we will be looking for 100 72/1911.The stamkort (draft cards) are also known as värnpliktskort.The draft cards (värnpliktskort/stamkort) are available at Arkiv Digital and SVAR. You need a subscription to access the draft cards. Arkiv Digital began the digitization of the draft cards in 2015 for all men drafted between 1902 and 1941.The American draft card is just a registration card while Swedish cards serve a dual purpose in that they also contain service data the American doesn't have.
Jonas Helmer Viklund's Draft Card (värnpliktskort/stamkort)
Viklund's draft card:Front:
Above, the front side of Jonas Helmer Viklund's draft card. His card is filed at Piteå Roll Keeping Area (draft board), Norrbotten Enrollment Area.Source: Norrbottens inskrivningsområde (Io 19), Piteå rullföringsområde (Ro 72) D4:2 (1911-1913) image 1530 (AID: v806613a.b1530, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B19002Ö). The draft card above has the following service data about Viklund:Section 1 above: This section holds personal data about the draftee. Kyrkobokförd = The parish where he was registered. In this case Piteå. Inskrivn.-n:r = inskrivningsnummer which is the enrollment number. Namn = Name. "Yrke eller sysselsättning" = Occupation. Viklund is listed as "arb" which is short for "arbetare" which means laborer. "Födelsetid och ort" = date of birth and place of birth. Viklund was born on December 6, 1890 in Piteå parish. "Hemvist och postadress" means residential address and postal address. Viklund lived in Roknäs. Viklund served in the artillery. The artillery had two branches at the time: the field artillery and the stationary artillery at fortifications etc. Section 2: Viklund served in the Field Artillery (Fältartilleriet). Section 4: His position was Riktare (Gun layer). A gun layer is the artilleryman that lays the gun in the right position as regards elevation, range and lateral degree. Section 5: This section contains information regarding when the draftee had served on duty (basic training/refresher courses); year (år), duty (tjänstgöringens benämning) and number of days (antal dagar). Viklund did his basic training during the period 1911 to 1912, in total 281 days. [Rekr-skola = rekrytskola]. Rekrytskola is a training course of recruits. He also did refresher courses in 1912 and 1913 (42 + 42 days). [rep-övn = repetitionsövning]. Repetitionsövning means compulsory military refresher course.During WWI he was mobilized for war duty for 45 days both in 1914 and 1915. He was also called-up for duty for 25 days in 1916.The unit he served in was A4, Norrland Artillery Regiment. See column "Reg:te, station o.s.v.". A4 is the unit code for the Norrland Artillery Regiment. "A" is short for Artillery and A4 means the 4th artillery regiment. The regiment was garrisoned in Boden town, Norrbotten. Viklund served in both in the 9th and the 10th battery of the artillery regiment. See the column "Komp., skv., batt. o.s.v.".Other columns in section 5: År = Year, Tjänstgöringens benämning = type of service/duty, Antal dagar = number of days.
Above, back-side of Jonas Helmer Viklund's draft card. His card is filed at Piteå Roll Keeping Area (draft board), Norrbotten Enrollment Area.Source: Norrbottens inskrivningsområde (Io 19), Piteå rullföringsområde (Ro 72) D4:2 (1911-1913) image 1530 (AID: v806613a.b1530, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B19002Ö). Section 7 above contains information about possible misconduct and punishment a draftee was charged with while serving in the military. This draftee has no notes in this section. Section 12 has information about the draftee's service periods. Viklund was called-up several times between 1917 and 1932.
More Draft Cards
The draftee above, Jonas Viklund, was assigned to the Artillery according to his draft card. Below are a few other draft cards where the draftees have been assigned to other branches of the armed forces.
Draftees assigned to the Infantry (Infanteriet)
Johan Bergwall:
Above, front side of Johan Bergwall's draft card. He was born in 1894 and was assigned to the infantry when he was drafted in 1914. Bergwall's enrollment number was 497 72/1914.This tells us that he was drafted in Piteå Roll Keeping Area, 72, (draft board), Norrbotten Enrollment Area.Source: Norrbottens inskrivningsområde (Io 19), Piteå rullföringsområde (Ro 72) D4:3 (1914-1922) Image 7770 (AID: v806614a.b7770, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B19002Ö). Section 2 above: Bergwall served in the infantry (Infanteriet).Section 5: This section contains information regarding when the draftee had served on duty (basic training/refresher courses); year (år), duty (tjänstgöringens benämning) and number of days (antal dagar).Bergwall did his basic training in 1915, in total 210 days. Sweden mobilized during WWI and Bergwall also did war service (emergency service) in 1915 (27 + 63 days).Bergwall was assigned to the infantry but which regiment? If we look at the column labeled "Reg:te, station o.s.v." above we see the unit code I19. I19 is the unit code for the Norrbotten Regiment (Norrbottens regemente). This regiment was garrisoned in Boden town, Norrbotten. "I" is short for Infantry and I19 means the 19th infantry regiment.More information about each unit’s code can be found at: Unit codes (förbandsnummer). Bergwall served in the 3rd Company of the regiment. See the column "Komp., skv., batt. o.s.v." where a "3" is listed, meaning 3rd Company.Josef Leonard Bergman:
Above, front side of Karl Oscar Åkerman's draft card. He was born in 1893 and was assigned to the cavalry when he was drafted in 1913. Bergman's enrollment number was 444 46/1913.This tells us that he was drafted in Stockholms landtrullföringsområde, 46, (draft board), Stockholm Enrollment Area. Source: Stockholms inskrivningsområde (Io 1), Inskrivningsområdesexpeditionen D4f:18 (1940-1940) Image 50 (AID: v806683.b50, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B01001Ö).Section 2 above: Åkerman served in the cavalry (Kavalleriet).Section 5: Åkerman did his basic training in 1913, in total 281 days plus refresher courses in 1914 (42 days) and 1915 (42 days). Sweden mobilized during WWI and Bergwall also did war service (emergency service) [Krigs. tj. = krigstjänstgöring] in 1914 (31 days) and 1916 (60 days).Åkerman was assigned to the cavalry but which regiment? If we look at the column labeled "Reg:te, station o.s.v." above we see the unit code K1. K1 was the unit code for the Mounted Life Guards (Livgardet till häst). This regiment was garrisoned in Stockholm. "K" is short for Kavalleriet (Cavalry) and K1 means the 1st cavalry regiment.Åkerman served in the 5th squadron of the Mounted Life Guards. See the column "Komp., skv., batt. o.s.v." where a "5" is listed, meaning 5th squadron (skv. = skvadron).
Draftee assigned to the Maintenance and Supply Troops (Trängen)
Gustaf Harald Andersson:
Above, front side of Josef Leonard Bergman's draft card. He was born in 1893 and was assigned to the infantry when he was drafted in 1914. Bergman's enrollment number was 321 18/1914.This tells us that he was drafted in Oskarshamn Roll Keeping Area, 18, (draft board), Kalmar Enrollment Area. Source: Norra Smålands inskrivningsområde (Io 12), Eksjö rullföringsområde (Ro 21) D2:3 (1893-1894) Bild 190 (AID: v806530.b190, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B12005Ö).Section 2 above: Bergman served in the infantry (Infanteriet).Section 4: Begman was drafted as a underbefäl (a lower non-commissioned officer (NCO)) in the infantry. Section 4 has him listed for NCO training (underbefälsutb. = underbefälsutbildning) and his position was second section commander (halftroppchef).Section 5: Bergman did his basic training in 1915, in total 150 days plus a refresher course (30 days). Sweden mobilized during WWI and Bergwall also did war service (emergency service) in 1915 (34 days).Bergman was assigned to the infantry but which regiment? If we look at the column labeled "Reg:te, station o.s.v." above we see the unit code I21. I21 was the unit code for the Kalmar Regiment (Kalmar regemente) between 1892 and 1927. This regiment was garrisoned in Eksjö town, Småland. "I" is short for Infantry and I21 means the 21th infantry regiment.More information about each unit’s code can be found at: Unit codes (förbandsnummer). Bergman served in the 3rd Company of the regiment. See the column "Komp., skv., batt. o.s.v." where a "3" is listed, meaning 3rd Company.
Draftee assigned to the Cavalry (Kavalleriet)
Karl Oscar Åkerman:
Above, front side of Gustaf Harald Andersson's draft card. He was born in 1893 and was assigned to the Maintenance and Supply Troops (Trängen) when he was drafted in 1914. Andersson's enrollment number was 374 37/1914.This tells us that he was drafted in Skövde rullföringsområde, 37, (draft board), Skaraborg Enrollment Area. Source: Skaraborgs inskrivningsområde (Io 9), Skara rullföringsområde (Ro 33) D3:5 (1892-1894) Image 4050 (AID: v806633.b4050, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B09002Ö).Section 2 above: Andersson served in the Maintenance and Supply Troops (Trängen).Section 4: Andersson's position in the regiment was farrier (Hovslagare).Section 5: Andersson did his basic training in 1915, in total 180 days plus refresher courses in 1916 (30 days) and 1917 (30 days). Sweden mobilized during WWI and Bergwall also did war service (emergency service) [Krigs. tj. = krigstjänstgöring] in 1915 (83 days).Andersson was assigned to the Maintenance and Supply Troops but which regiment? If we look at the column labeled "Reg:te, station o.s.v." above we see the unit code T2. T2 was the unit code for the Göta Maintenance and Supply Corps (Göta Trängkår). This regiment was garrisoned in Skövde, Västergötland. "T" is short for Trängen (Maintenance and Supply Troops) and T2 means the 2nd Maintenance and Supply Corps.Andersson served in the 1st company of the corps. See the column "Komp., skv., batt. o.s.v." where a "1" is listed, meaning 1st company (Komp. = kompani = company).
Draftee assigned to the Engineers (Ingenjörtrupperna)
Karl Hilmer Johansson:
Above, front side of Karl Hilmer Johansson's draft card. He was born in 1893 and was assigned to the Engineers (Ingenjörtrupperna) when he was drafted in 1914. Johansson's enrollment number was 406 37/1914.This tells us that he was drafted in Skövde rullföringsområde, 37, (draft board), Skaraborg Enrollment Area. Source: Skaraborgs inskrivningsområde (Io 9), Skara rullföringsområde (Ro 33) D3:5 (1892-1894) Image 6870 (AID: v806633.b6870, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B09002Ö).Section 2 above: Johansson served in the Engineers (Ingenjörtrupperna).Section 5: Johansson did his basic training in 1914 - 1915, in total 182 days. Johansson was assigned to the Engineers but which regiment? If we look at the column labeled "Reg:te, station o.s.v." above we see the unit code Ing2. Ing2 was the unit code for the Göta Engineers (Göta ingenjörkår). This regiment was garrisoned at the time in Karlsborg, Västergötland (from 1928 in Eksjö, Småland). "Ing" is short for Ingenjörtrupperna (Engineers) and Ing2 means the 2nd Engineers.Johansson served in the 6th company of the regiment. See the column "Komp., skv., batt. o.s.v." where a "6" is listed, meaning 6th company (Komp. = kompani = company).Top of page
Draftee assigned to the Coast Artillery (Kustartilleriet)
Anton Edvin Johansson:
Above, front side of Anton Edvin Johansson's draft card. He was born in 1893 and was assigned to the Coast Artillery (Kustartilleriet) when he was drafted in 1914. Johansson's enrollment number was 343 21/1914.This tells us that he was drafted in Eksjö rullföringsområde, 21, (draft board), Jönköping Enrollment Area. Source: Norra Smålands inskrivningsområde (Io 12), Eksjö rullföringsområde (Ro 21) D2:3 (1893-1894) Image 1330 (AID: v806530.b1330, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B12005Ö).Section 2 above: Johansson served in the Coast Artillery (Marinen i Kustartilleritjänst - The Marine in Coast Artillery service).Section 5: Johansson did his basic training in 1915, in total 182 days. Johansson was assigned to the Coast Artillery but which regiment? If we look at the column labeled "Reg:te, station o.s.v." above we see the unit code KA. KA was the unit code for the Coast Artillery. Normally the unit code is followed by a number but for some reason the number is left out here. However, since Johansson lived in Småland it is likely that he served in KA3, which was the Karlskrona Coast Artillery Regiment, KA3, (Karlskrona kustartilleriregemente). This regiment was garrisoned in Karlskrona, Blekinge. "KA" is short for Kustartilleriet (Coast Artillery) and KA3 means the 3rd Coast Artillery Regiment.Johansson served in the 8th company of the regiment. See the column "Komp., skv., batt. o.s.v." where a "8" is listed, meaning 8th company (Komp. = kompani = company).The Coast Artillery wasn't a sub-branch of the Army but of the Swedish Marine.The Marine (Marinen) is a jointly term for the Navy and the Coast Artillery (nowadays the Amphibious Corps) in Sweden.Units within The Swedish Marine (“Svenska Marinen”): •The Navy (Flottan); the surface warfare flotillas, the mine warfare flotilla and the submarine flotilla.•The Amphibious Corps (Amfibiekåren), formerly the Coast Artillery (Kustartilleriet).The Coast Artillery Services were responsible for the coastal defense and had their own ships, coastal artillery, mining and mine sweeping duties and special elite units for coastal warfare – the Marine Corps (Kustjägare). The Navy operates on open sea.The Coast Artillery was reorganized in 2000 to The Amphibious Corps and the stationary coast artillery guns has been replaced with mobile amphibious units.
Draftee assigned to the Navy (Flottan/Marinen)
Sven Gustav Bruun:
Above, front side of Sven Gustav Bruun's draft card. He was born in 1893 and was assigned to the Navy (Flottan) when he was drafted in 1914. Bruun's enrollment number was 80 14/1914.This tells us that he was drafted in Ljungby rullföringsområde, 21, (draft board), Kronoberg Enrollment Area. Source: Norra Smålands inskrivningsområde (Io 12), Eksjö rullföringsområde (Ro 21) D2:3 (1893-1894) Image 1470 (AID: v806530.b1470, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B12005Ö).Section 2 above: Bruun served in the Navy (Marinen i sjötjänst - The Marine in sea service, i.e. aboard a ship).Section 3: Bruun had previously been serving in KA2, Karlskrona Coast Artillery Regiment; April 1, 1914 to February 5, 1918 as an enlisted gunner. Section 4: Bruun's position in the Navy was 2nd class seaman (2 kl. sjöman); torpedo ???? (torpedeldare).Section 5: Bruun did war service during WWI 1918, in total 73 + 96 days. Bruun was assigned to the Navy but which unit? If we look at the column labeled "Reg:te, station o.s.v." above we see the unit code FL. FL was the unit code for the Navy (Flottan). Since Bruun was born in Skåne it is likely that he served in Karlskrona Naval Station, Blekinge. "FL" is short for Flottan (navy).Bruuns civilian occupation was also seaman as an engine-man (Maskinist).Back-page of Bruun’s Draft Card:
Above, an extract of an appendix card to Bruun’s draft card with his military criminal records.In the case of Bruun, his misdemeanors were many and there is an appendix card added to his draft card, a so-called Bifogningskort (appendix) of his criminal records.Source: Norra Smålands inskrivningsområde (Io 12), Eksjö rullföringsområde (Ro 21) D2:3 (1893-1894) Image 1490 (AID: v806530.b1490, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B12005Ö).•"Bifogningskort" = Appendix card•"Utdrag ur straffregister" = Extract of criminal records•"Förbrytelsens beskaffenhet" = Nature of crime •"Begicks" = Occured when (date)•"Ålagt eller ådömt" = Sentenced by•"Straffets beskaffenhet" = Nature of the punishment•"Olovl. [olovligt] undanhållande" = Absence without leave•"Tjänsteförsummelse" = Neglect (dereliction) of duty•"5 d. skärpt arrest" = 5 days of close arrest
Where are the Draft Cards Filed Away?
There was a draft card issued for each draftee and the draft cards were filed at the different enrollment areas depending of each draftee's residential address. The draft cards were kept up to date until the draftee left the draft age. The age when a draftee left the draft age and therefore was deregistered have changed according to the following: •Years 1902 – 1914: Age 40 •Years 1914 – 1936: Age 42 •Years 1937 – 1942: Age 45 •From 1942: Age 47When a young man was required to register to be drafted for military service, the enrollment took place at the local draft board (roll keeping area). A potential draftee's residential address determined which local draft board he registered at. A draftee’s enrollment number identifies the draft board where he registered and his draft card was filed at the enrollment area (inskrivningsområde) where he initially registered. If the draftee moved to a new residence in another enrollment area, his draft card was forwarded to the enrollment agency (Inskrivningsmyndighet) in his new enrollment area and was filed there. The draftee’s enrollment number did not change when he moved to a different enrollment area.If a draftee moved several times while he was still of draft age, his draft card always was forwarded to the enrollment agency in the enrollment area of his new address.A draftee’s draft card was permanently archived at the enrollment area of his residential address at the time he reached his 47th birthday (from 1942, see above), passed away, emigrated from Sweden, or otherwise became exempt from military service before his 47th birthday.So, it is important to know a draftee's residential address at the time he was deregistered (normally at his 47th birthday) in order to find the enrollment area where his draft card is filed away. That is the enrollment area to research for the draft card.However, it wasn't very common to move a lot 100-years ago. When they moved they normally moved to a new place locally and therefore remained in the same enrollment area.Start by searching for a draftee's draft card in the enrollment area where he initially registered. If the card can't be found at that enrollment area, you can search for his residential address when he left the draft age (normally age 47).An enrollment area normally covered an entire county (Län) and carried the same name as the county which makes it easy to guess which enrollment area he belonged to at his 47th birthday if you know his address at that time.
The Uniform
What type of military uniform wore draftee Jonas Viklund
What type of military uniform did our draftee in the first example above, Jonas Viklund, wear when he did his military service in the Norrland Artillery Regiment (Norrlands Artilleriregemente) 1911 - 1912? The uniform at that time was the gray m/1910 with the cocked three-cornered hat. The blouse (jacket) was gray with 6 buttons. The folded stand-up collar was dark blue. In front, the blouse had two breast pockets and two large side pockets. The blouse had blue shoulder straps on each shoulder with the unit code of the regiment. The majority of the infantry regiments had yellow unit codes (numbers) on the shoulder straps.The trousers m/1910 had the same grey color as the blouse. Alongside the trouser legs was on each side a 3 cm wide blue stripe.From 1910 the Army once again had a standard uniform with a uniform pattern. However, a few details were different from unit to unit.However, it took a while before all units of the Army were wearing the same type of uniform. Uniform m/1910 was issued in 1910 and Jonas Viklund did his military service in 1911 so he might have been wearing the former m/1872 artillery uniform. The first years after 1910 you can see soldiers in a mix of items of equipment from the new m/1910 uniform and the older infantry uniform m/1886. This is especially true for the headgear. It is common to see soldiers on photos from this time in the m/1910 uniform but with the former m/1865-1899 cap. See image 2 below.
Above, back of Sven Gustav Bruun's draft card, section 7. Bruun was obviously a rowdy and a misdemeanant because he has a lot of entries in section 7 - record of military convictions. Bruun was in straits several times and was detained for many days for misdemeanors. Among other things he was in arrest in the guardhouse for absence without leave, drunkenness, recklessness in 1915 and 1916. In total he was in detention for 20 days.Source: Norra Smålands inskrivningsområde (Io 12), Eksjö rullföringsområde (Ro 21) D2:3 (1893-1894) Image 1480 (AID: v806530.b1480, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B12005Ö).Apendix to Bruun’s Draft Card:
The image below is an extract from the roll keeping area chart 1902 - 1942.
This article will show how to research conscripts/draftees during the 1900s in the military rolls. The following example presents how to search for a draftee's draft card using his enrollment number which is normally found in the parish records (församlingsbok).The image to the right shows four draftees in uniform m/1910 with the cocked three-cornered hat. The image is shown with consent of Niclas Rosenbalck.
Allmän Värnplikt (Universal Conscription)
The Allotment System was discarded in 1901 and instead Sweden established an army and navy entirely based on a Universal Conscription System called Allmän Värnplikt. This new conscript system was to fully replace the old standing Army and Navy with a military force fully based on conscription. The first draftees received their calling up notice for the new Conscription System in the spring of 1902. The first enrolled men were assigned to the Army. In 1902 about 28,600 conscripts were assigned to the Army but only 1,900 to the Navy.The draftees were according to the new Conscription Act to undergo military training for 150 days followed by three compulsory military refresher courses of 30 days each between the second and the fourth year, in total 240 days. However, a shorter period of training was used during the first years, 1902 - 1907, than the stipulated 240 days. During this period only 172 days of training was used of which the basic training period was 112 days. Not until 1908 the training period was extended to the stipulated 240 days.Draftees weren't assigned to the cavalry until 1908. However, it took several years before the cavalry with its time-consuming horse and ride training mostly consisted on conscripts. It took a long time to be a good rider. The Navy wasn't fully receiving conscripts until after WWI.Every Swedish man was obliged to register for Universal Conscription the year they reached the age of 21 (draft age). In 1914 the draft age was lowered to 20.More information about the Organization of Sweden's Conscription System.
The Parish Records -
Församlingsböckerna
When doing genealogy research, it's likely you will eventually find your male ancestors draftee enrollment number in the parish records (församlingsbok). If you have found a man's enrollment number, it means that he had been registered (mustered) for military service. The muster/registration was done the year a young man reached the age of 20 (21 prior to 1914). Normally a draftee was called up into the military service the same year he was mustered/enrolled.In the following example we will search for draftee Jonas Helmer Viklund in the military rolls. I have found Viklund in Roknäs, Piteå rural parish (Landsförsamling) record, Norrbotten (BD). Viklund was born on 1890-12-06.Source: Piteå landsförsamling AIIa:2h (1913-1929) Image 100 / page 2803.The parish record lists Viklund with his military enrollment number: 100 72/1911. See below:
Tutorial 11b: How to
Research Conscripts,
1900s, Sweden
Above, extract from Piteå parish book, Piteå landsförsamling AIIa:2h (1913-1929) Image 90 / page 2802 (AID: v194281.b90.s2802, NAD: SE/HLA/1010154). Left-hand page.The family of Jonas Helmer Viklund is listed above. Jonas Helmer was born on December 6, 1890 and he is listed on line 7. Jonas Helmer received his call-up notice for National Service registration in 1911, then 21 years old.
Above; On the right-hand side in the column labeled "Värnpliktsförhållanden" we find Viklund's enrollment number at line 7: 100 72/1911.
What was a Draftee Muster?
(Mönstringar)
Every young man was required to register to be drafted for military service. The draftee muster/registration was carried out the year the young men reached the age of 20 (21 prior to 1914). They were that year called-up for registration in the Universal Conscription Service and entered into the enrollment roll (inskrivningslängd). The muster was an examination of the potential draftee's physiques and their medical and mental status to find out if they were fit for military service. The men approved for military service were assigned a personal enrollment number which was entered in the roll together with assigned branch of the Army (infantry, cavalry, artillery, fortification etc.) or the Navy. Most draftees were assigned to the Army since the Army needed a great deal of soldiers. A draft card was made up for the draft registrants approved for military service.Normally a draftee was called up into the military service the same year he was mustered/enrolled.The military service was a military training periodwhich was carried out at the assigned regiment, in most cases a locally garrisoned regiment.At the muster each draftee was also assigned an enrollment book. This enrollment book was the draftee’s personal belonging and had to be presented every time the draftee reported for duty.Example of a Military enrollment book for conscripts, 1907
The Enrollment Number
Between 1902 and 1942 military enrollment numbers(draftee service numbers) where noted in the form SSS RRR/YY were SSS is the conscript’s personal serial number in the roll, RRR is the roll keeping area (rullföringsområde) in the enrollment area and YY the year of enrollment of the conscript.Jonas Helmer Viklund's enrollment number was 100 72/1911, which means that 100 was his personal serial number in the enrollment roll, 72 is the roll keeping area (draft board) where he was enrolled and 1911 the year of enrollment.Viklund was born in in 1890 and was 21 years old in 1911, which was the year he came of draft age.The next thing to do is to find the regiment where he did his military service. The roll keeping area codein the enrollment number will be of great help in finding the name of the regiment.In 1901 the number of enrollment areas were reduced to 26 but they still corresponded to infantry regiment enrollment areas. However, the enrollment areas were given new names. The new names now corresponded to the county names (län). For example, Norrbotten Enrollment Area.Each Enrollment Area was subdivided into 3 Roll Keeping Areas (Draft Boards).Which draft board a draftee was called-up to depended on his place of residence (home address).The enrollment rolls were kept per roll keeping area (draft board). Each draftee was entered in the enrollment rolls (inskrivningslängd) and each individual were identified by an enrollment number (inskrivningsnummer).By looking at the chart of roll keeping areas we can convert the roll keeping area code to the name of the roll keeping area. Such a chart is at Military enrollment numbers for conscripts (draftees) (opens in a new window).
At the page referenced by the link above you chose "Enrollment areas/Roll keeping areas 1902 - 1942".Scroll down in the chart until you find the roll keeping area code found in the draftee's enrollment number, in this case 72. The roll keeping area code is in the first column of the chart labeled "RO".In the chart we will find that roll keeping area code 72 corresponds to Piteå rullföringsområde (Piteå Roll Keeping Area) which during the years 1902 - 1942 was belonged to Norrbottens inskrivningsområde(Norrbotten Enrollment Area). Jonas Helmer Viklund was enrolled in 1911.
We now know that Viklund was drafted in 1911 in Piteå rullföringsområde (Piteå Roll Keeping Area [Draft Board]) which belonged to Norrbottens inskrivningsområde (Norrbotten Enrollment Area). Further information about the draftee can be found in the enrollment rolls (inskrivningslängd) for the roll keeping area in question for year 1911. Thereafter he can be searched for in the so-called stamrulla (a military service roll) for more information about his military service. However, in 1918 the stamrulla was replaced by the new stamkort/värnpliktskort (draft cards). There was a draft card issued for each draftee. The draft card contained personal information about the draftee as well as notes about his military service. When the new stamkort was introduced in 1918 the old conscript rolls (stamrulla) were converted to the new draft cards for the men drafted prior to this year (but still of draft age).Viklund was enrolled as a draftee in 1911. Since he in 1918 still was of draft age also his service data was converted into the new draft cards (stamkort).Below we will search for Viklund in the draft cards.
The Draft Cards (Värnpliktskort /
Stamkort)
Each roll keeping area kept their own roll, i.e. a draft card for respective draftee. The draft cards hold information such as name of the draftee, date of birth, assigned branch of the army/navy, service data (basic training as well as refresher courses and of course active service during the two world wars), military position, possible promotion, possible respite with military service, possible exemption from military service, registration authority and often but not always: address of residence, possible punishments, civil occupation, etc.Next we will search for Jonas Helmer Viklund's draft card (stamkort). When he was enrolled in 1911 he lived in Roknäs no 1, Piteå Landsförsamling (BD) [parish]. Source: Piteå landsförsamling AIIa:2h (1913-1929) Image 90 / page 2802. Viklund's enrollment number (inskrivningsnummer) was 100 72/1911.From his enrollment number we know that he in 1911 was enrolled by Piteå Draft Board (rullföringsområde), 72, Norrbotten Enrollment Area. Therefore, we start by looking at the draft cards for Piteå draft board. The draftees are ordered by enrollment number so we will be looking for 100 72/1911.The stamkort (draft cards) are also known as värnpliktskort.The draft cards (värnpliktskort/stamkort) are available at Arkiv Digital and SVAR. You need a subscription to access the draft cards. Arkiv Digital began the digitization of the draft cards in 2015 for all men drafted between 1902 and 1941.The American draft card is just a registration card while Swedish cards serve a dual purpose in that they also contain service data the American doesn't have.
Jonas Helmer Viklund's Draft Card
(värnpliktskort/stamkort)
Viklund's draft card:Front:
Above, the front side of Jonas Helmer Viklund's draft card. His card is filed at Piteå Roll Keeping Area (draft board), Norrbotten Enrollment Area.Source: Norrbottens inskrivningsområde (Io 19), Piteå rullföringsområde (Ro 72) D4:2 (1911-1913) image 1530 (AID: v806613a.b1530, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B19002Ö). The draft card above has the following service data about Viklund:Section 1 above: This section holds personal data about the draftee. Kyrkobokförd = The parish where he was registered. In this case Piteå. Inskrivn.-n:r = inskrivningsnummer which is the enrollment number. Namn = Name. "Yrke eller sysselsättning" = Occupation. Viklund is listed as "arb" which is short for "arbetare" which means laborer. "Födelsetid och ort" = date of birth and place of birth. Viklund was born on December 6, 1890 in Piteå parish. "Hemvist och postadress" means residential address and postal address. Viklund lived in Roknäs. Viklund served in the artillery. The artillery had two branches at the time: the field artillery and the stationary artillery at fortifications etc. Section 2: Viklund served in the Field Artillery (Fältartilleriet). Section 4: His position was Riktare (Gun layer). A gun layer is the artilleryman that lays the gun in the right position as regards elevation, range and lateral degree. Section 5: This section contains information regarding when the draftee had served on duty (basic training/refresher courses); year (år), duty (tjänstgöringens benämning) and number of days (antal dagar). Viklund did his basic training during the period 1911 to 1912, in total 281 days. [Rekr-skola = rekrytskola]. Rekrytskola is a training course of recruits. He also did refresher courses in 1912 and 1913 (42 + 42 days). [rep-övn = repetitionsövning]. Repetitionsövning means compulsory military refresher course.During WWI he was mobilized for war duty for 45 days both in 1914 and 1915. He was also called-up for duty for 25 days in 1916.The unit he served in was A4, Norrland Artillery Regiment. See column "Reg:te, station o.s.v.". A4 is the unit code for the Norrland Artillery Regiment. "A" is short for Artillery and A4 means the 4th artillery regiment. The regiment was garrisoned in Boden town, Norrbotten. Viklund served in both in the 9th and the 10th battery of the artillery regiment. See the column "Komp., skv., batt. o.s.v.".Other columns in section 5: År = Year, Tjänstgöringens benämning = type of service/duty, Antal dagar = number of days.
Above, back-side of Jonas Helmer Viklund's draft card. His card is filed at Piteå Roll Keeping Area (draft board), Norrbotten Enrollment Area.Source: Norrbottens inskrivningsområde (Io 19), Piteå rullföringsområde (Ro 72) D4:2 (1911-1913) image 1530 (AID: v806613a.b1530, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B19002Ö). Section 7 above contains information about possible misconduct and punishment a draftee was charged with while serving in the military. This draftee has no notes in this section. Section 12 has information about the draftee's service periods. Viklund was called-up several times between 1917 and 1932.
More Draft Cards
The draftee above, Jonas Viklund, was assigned to the Artillery according to his draft card. Below are a few other draft cards where the draftees have been assigned to other branches of the armed forces.
Draftees assigned to the Infantry
(Infanteriet)
Johan Bergwall:
Above, front side of Johan Bergwall's draft card. He was born in 1894 and was assigned to the infantry when he was drafted in 1914. Bergwall's enrollment number was 497 72/1914.This tells us that he was drafted in Piteå Roll Keeping Area, 72, (draft board), Norrbotten Enrollment Area.Source: Norrbottens inskrivningsområde (Io 19), Piteå rullföringsområde (Ro 72) D4:3 (1914-1922) Image 7770 (AID: v806614a.b7770, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B19002Ö). Section 2 above: Bergwall served in the infantry (Infanteriet).Section 5: This section contains information regarding when the draftee had served on duty (basic training/refresher courses); year (år), duty (tjänstgöringens benämning) and number of days (antal dagar).Bergwall did his basic training in 1915, in total 210 days. Sweden mobilized during WWI and Bergwall also did war service (emergency service) in 1915 (27 + 63 days).Bergwall was assigned to the infantry but which regiment? If we look at the column labeled "Reg:te, station o.s.v." above we see the unit code I19. I19 is the unit code for the Norrbotten Regiment(Norrbottens regemente). This regiment was garrisoned in Boden town, Norrbotten. "I" is short for Infantry and I19 means the 19th infantry regiment.More information about each unit’s code can be found at: Unit codes (förbandsnummer). Bergwall served in the 3rd Company of the regiment. See the column "Komp., skv., batt. o.s.v." where a "3" is listed, meaning 3rd Company.Josef Leonard Bergman:
Above, front side of Karl Oscar Åkerman's draft card. He was born in 1893 and was assigned to the cavalry when he was drafted in 1913. Bergman's enrollment number was 444 46/1913.This tells us that he was drafted in Stockholms landtrullföringsområde, 46, (draft board), Stockholm Enrollment Area. Source: Stockholms inskrivningsområde (Io 1), Inskrivningsområdesexpeditionen D4f:18 (1940-1940) Image 50 (AID: v806683.b50, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B01001Ö).Section 2 above: Åkerman served in the cavalry (Kavalleriet).Section 5: Åkerman did his basic training in 1913, in total 281 days plus refresher courses in 1914 (42 days) and 1915 (42 days). Sweden mobilized during WWI and Bergwall also did war service (emergency service) [Krigs. tj. = krigstjänstgöring] in 1914 (31 days) and 1916 (60 days).Åkerman was assigned to the cavalry but which regiment? If we look at the column labeled "Reg:te, station o.s.v." above we see the unit code K1. K1 was the unit code for the Mounted Life Guards (Livgardet till häst). This regiment was garrisoned in Stockholm. "K" is short for Kavalleriet (Cavalry) and K1 means the 1st cavalry regiment.Åkerman served in the 5th squadron of the Mounted Life Guards. See the column "Komp., skv., batt. o.s.v." where a "5" is listed, meaning 5th squadron (skv. = skvadron).
Draftee assigned to the Maintenance and
Supply Troops (Trängen)
Gustaf Harald Andersson:
Above, front side of Josef Leonard Bergman's draft card. He was born in 1893 and was assigned to the infantry when he was drafted in 1914. Bergman's enrollment number was 321 18/1914.This tells us that he was drafted in Oskarshamn Roll Keeping Area, 18, (draft board), Kalmar Enrollment Area. Source: Norra Smålands inskrivningsområde (Io 12), Eksjö rullföringsområde (Ro 21) D2:3 (1893-1894) Bild 190 (AID: v806530.b190, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B12005Ö).Section 2 above: Bergman served in the infantry (Infanteriet).Section 4: Begman was drafted as a underbefäl (a lower non-commissioned officer (NCO)) in the infantry. Section 4 has him listed for NCO training (underbefälsutb. = underbefälsutbildning) and his position was second section commander (halftroppchef).Section 5: Bergman did his basic training in 1915, in total 150 days plus a refresher course (30 days). Sweden mobilized during WWI and Bergwall also did war service (emergency service) in 1915 (34 days).Bergman was assigned to the infantry but which regiment? If we look at the column labeled "Reg:te, station o.s.v." above we see the unit code I21. I21 was the unit code for the Kalmar Regiment (Kalmar regemente) between 1892 and 1927. This regiment was garrisoned in Eksjö town, Småland. "I" is short for Infantry and I21 means the 21th infantry regiment.More information about each unit’s code can be found at: Unit codes (förbandsnummer). Bergman served in the 3rd Company of the regiment. See the column "Komp., skv., batt. o.s.v." where a "3" is listed, meaning 3rd Company.
Draftee assigned to the Cavalry (Kavalleriet)
Karl Oscar Åkerman:
Above, front side of Gustaf Harald Andersson's draft card. He was born in 1893 and was assigned to the Maintenance and Supply Troops (Trängen) when he was drafted in 1914. Andersson's enrollment number was 374 37/1914.This tells us that he was drafted in Skövde rullföringsområde, 37, (draft board), Skaraborg Enrollment Area. Source: Skaraborgs inskrivningsområde (Io 9), Skara rullföringsområde (Ro 33) D3:5 (1892-1894) Image 4050 (AID: v806633.b4050, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B09002Ö).Section 2 above: Andersson served in the Maintenance and Supply Troops (Trängen).Section 4: Andersson's position in the regiment was farrier (Hovslagare).Section 5: Andersson did his basic training in 1915, in total 180 days plus refresher courses in 1916 (30 days) and 1917 (30 days). Sweden mobilized during WWI and Bergwall also did war service (emergency service) [Krigs. tj. = krigstjänstgöring] in 1915 (83 days).Andersson was assigned to the Maintenance and Supply Troops but which regiment? If we look at the column labeled "Reg:te, station o.s.v." above we see the unit code T2. T2 was the unit code for the Göta Maintenance and Supply Corps (Göta Trängkår). This regiment was garrisoned in Skövde, Västergötland. "T" is short for Trängen (Maintenance and Supply Troops) and T2 means the 2nd Maintenance and Supply Corps.Andersson served in the 1st company of the corps. See the column "Komp., skv., batt. o.s.v." where a "1" is listed, meaning 1st company (Komp. = kompani = company).
Draftee assigned to the Engineers
(Ingenjörtrupperna)
Karl Hilmer Johansson:
Above, front side of Karl Hilmer Johansson's draft card. He was born in 1893 and was assigned to the Engineers (Ingenjörtrupperna) when he was drafted in 1914. Johansson's enrollment number was 406 37/1914.This tells us that he was drafted in Skövde rullföringsområde, 37, (draft board), Skaraborg Enrollment Area. Source: Skaraborgs inskrivningsområde (Io 9), Skara rullföringsområde (Ro 33) D3:5 (1892-1894) Image 6870 (AID: v806633.b6870, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B09002Ö).Section 2 above: Johansson served in the Engineers (Ingenjörtrupperna).Section 5: Johansson did his basic training in 1914 - 1915, in total 182 days. Johansson was assigned to the Engineers but which regiment? If we look at the column labeled "Reg:te, station o.s.v." above we see the unit code Ing2. Ing2 was the unit code for the Göta Engineers (Göta ingenjörkår). This regiment was garrisoned at the time in Karlsborg, Västergötland (from 1928 in Eksjö, Småland). "Ing" is short for Ingenjörtrupperna (Engineers) and Ing2 means the 2nd Engineers.Johansson served in the 6th company of the regiment. See the column "Komp., skv., batt. o.s.v." where a "6" is listed, meaning 6th company (Komp. = kompani = company).Top of page
Draftee assigned to the Coast Artillery
(Kustartilleriet)
Anton Edvin Johansson:
Above, front side of Anton Edvin Johansson's draft card. He was born in 1893 and was assigned to the Coast Artillery (Kustartilleriet) when he was drafted in 1914. Johansson's enrollment number was 343 21/1914.This tells us that he was drafted in Eksjö rullföringsområde, 21, (draft board), Jönköping Enrollment Area. Source: Norra Smålands inskrivningsområde (Io 12), Eksjö rullföringsområde (Ro 21) D2:3 (1893-1894) Image 1330 (AID: v806530.b1330, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B12005Ö).Section 2 above: Johansson served in the Coast Artillery (Marinen i Kustartilleritjänst - The Marine in Coast Artillery service).Section 5: Johansson did his basic training in 1915, in total 182 days. Johansson was assigned to the Coast Artillery but which regiment? If we look at the column labeled "Reg:te, station o.s.v." above we see the unit code KA.KA was the unit code for the Coast Artillery. Normally the unit code is followed by a number but for some reason the number is left out here. However, since Johansson lived in Småland it is likely that he served in KA3, which was the Karlskrona Coast Artillery Regiment, KA3, (Karlskrona kustartilleriregemente). This regiment was garrisoned in Karlskrona, Blekinge. "KA" is short for Kustartilleriet (Coast Artillery) and KA3 means the 3rd Coast Artillery Regiment.Johansson served in the 8th company of the regiment. See the column "Komp., skv., batt. o.s.v." where a "8" is listed, meaning 8th company (Komp. = kompani = company).The Coast Artillery wasn't a sub-branch of the Army but of the Swedish Marine.The Marine (Marinen) is a jointly term for the Navy and the Coast Artillery (nowadays the Amphibious Corps) in Sweden.Units within The Swedish Marine (“Svenska Marinen”): •The Navy (Flottan); the surface warfare flotillas, the mine warfare flotilla and the submarine flotilla.•The Amphibious Corps (Amfibiekåren), formerly the Coast Artillery (Kustartilleriet).The Coast Artillery Services were responsible for the coastal defense and had their own ships, coastal artillery, mining and mine sweeping duties and special elite units for coastal warfare – the Marine Corps (Kustjägare). The Navy operates on open sea.The Coast Artillery was reorganized in 2000 to The Amphibious Corps and the stationary coast artillery guns has been replaced with mobile amphibious units.
Draftee assigned to the Navy
(Flottan/Marinen)
Sven Gustav Bruun:
Above, front side of Sven Gustav Bruun's draft card. He was born in 1893 and was assigned to the Navy (Flottan) when he was drafted in 1914. Bruun's enrollment number was 80 14/1914.This tells us that he was drafted in Ljungby rullföringsområde, 21, (draft board), Kronoberg Enrollment Area. Source: Norra Smålands inskrivningsområde (Io 12), Eksjö rullföringsområde (Ro 21) D2:3 (1893-1894) Image 1470 (AID: v806530.b1470, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B12005Ö).Section 2 above: Bruun served in the Navy (Marinen i sjötjänst - The Marine in sea service, i.e. aboard a ship).Section 3: Bruun had previously been serving in KA2, Karlskrona Coast Artillery Regiment; April 1, 1914 to February 5, 1918 as an enlisted gunner. Section 4: Bruun's position in the Navy was 2nd class seaman (2 kl. sjöman); torpedo ???? (torpedeldare).Section 5: Bruun did war service during WWI 1918, in total 73 + 96 days. Bruun was assigned to the Navy but which unit? If we look at the column labeled "Reg:te, station o.s.v." above we see the unit code FL. FL was the unit code for the Navy (Flottan). Since Bruun was born in Skåne it is likely that he served in Karlskrona Naval Station, Blekinge. "FL" is short for Flottan (navy).Bruuns civilian occupation was also seaman as an engine-man (Maskinist).Back-page of Bruun’s Draft Card:
Above, an extract of an appendix card to Bruun’s draft card with his military criminal records.In the case of Bruun, his misdemeanors were many and there is an appendix card added to his draft card, a so-called Bifogningskort (appendix) of his criminal records.Source: Norra Smålands inskrivningsområde (Io 12), Eksjö rullföringsområde (Ro 21) D2:3 (1893-1894) Image 1490 (AID: v806530.b1490, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B12005Ö).•"Bifogningskort" = Appendix card•"Utdrag ur straffregister" = Extract of criminal records•"Förbrytelsens beskaffenhet" = Nature of crime •"Begicks" = Occured when (date)•"Ålagt eller ådömt" = Sentenced by•"Straffets beskaffenhet" = Nature of the punishment•"Olovl. [olovligt] undanhållande" = Absence without leave•"Tjänsteförsummelse" = Neglect (dereliction) of duty•"5 d. skärpt arrest" = 5 days of close arrest
Where are the Draft Cards Filed
Away?
There was a draft card issued for each draftee and the draft cards were filed at the different enrollment areas depending of each draftee's residential address. The draft cards were kept up to date until the draftee left the draft age. The age when a draftee left the draft age and therefore was deregistered have changed according to the following: •Years 1902 – 1914: Age 40 •Years 1914 – 1936: Age 42 •Years 1937 – 1942: Age 45 •From 1942: Age 47When a young man was required to register to be drafted for military service, the enrollment took place at the local draft board (roll keeping area). A potential draftee's residential address determined which local draft board he registered at. A draftee’s enrollment number identifies the draft board where he registered and his draft card was filed at the enrollment area (inskrivningsområde) where he initially registered. If the draftee moved to a new residence in another enrollment area, his draft card was forwarded to the enrollment agency (Inskrivningsmyndighet) in his new enrollment area and was filed there. The draftee’s enrollment number did not change when he moved to a different enrollment area.If a draftee moved several times while he was still of draft age, his draft card always was forwarded to the enrollment agency in the enrollment area of his new address.A draftee’s draft card was permanently archived at the enrollment area of his residential address at the time he reached his 47th birthday (from 1942, see above), passed away, emigrated from Sweden, or otherwise became exempt from military service before his 47th birthday.So, it is important to know a draftee's residential address at the time he was deregistered (normally at his 47th birthday) in order to find the enrollment area where his draft card is filed away. That is the enrollment area to research for the draft card.However, it wasn't very common to move a lot 100-years ago. When they moved they normally moved to a new place locally and therefore remained in the same enrollment area.Start by searching for a draftee's draft card in the enrollment area where he initially registered. If the card can't be found at that enrollment area, you can search for his residential address when he left the draft age (normally age 47).An enrollment area normally covered an entire county (Län) and carried the same name as the county which makes it easy to guess which enrollment area he belonged to at his 47th birthday if you know his address at that time.
The Uniform
What type of military uniform wore draftee
Jonas Viklund
What type of military uniform did our draftee in the first example above, Jonas Viklund, wear when he did his military service in the Norrland Artillery Regiment (Norrlands Artilleriregemente) 1911 - 1912? The uniform at that time was the gray m/1910 with the cocked three-cornered hat. The blouse (jacket) was gray with 6 buttons. The folded stand-up collar was dark blue. In front, the blouse had two breast pockets and two large side pockets. The blouse had blue shoulder straps on each shoulder with the unit code of the regiment. The majority of the infantry regiments had yellow unit codes (numbers) on the shoulder straps.The trousers m/1910 had the same grey color as the blouse. Alongside the trouser legs was on each side a 3 cm wide blue stripe.From 1910 the Army once again had a standard uniform with a uniform pattern. However, a few details were different from unit to unit.However, it took a while before all units of the Army were wearing the same type of uniform. Uniform m/1910 was issued in 1910 and Jonas Viklund did his military service in 1911 so he might have been wearing the former m/1872 artillery uniform. The first years after 1910 you can see soldiers in a mix of items of equipment from the new m/1910 uniform and the older infantry uniform m/1886. This is especially true for the headgear. It is common to see soldiers on photos from this time in the m/1910 uniform but with the former m/1865-1899 cap. See image 2 below.
Above, back of Sven Gustav Bruun's draft card, section 7. Bruun was obviously a rowdy and a misdemeanant because he has a lot of entries in section 7 - record of military convictions. Bruun was in straits several times and was detained for many days for misdemeanors. Among other things he was in arrest in the guardhouse for absence without leave, drunkenness, recklessness in 1915 and 1916. In total he was in detention for 20 days.Source: Norra Smålands inskrivningsområde (Io 12), Eksjö rullföringsområde (Ro 21) D2:3 (1893-1894) Image 1480 (AID: v806530.b1480, NAD: SE/KrA/0473/B12005Ö).Apendix to Bruun’s Draft Card:
