Hearts of Oak society

**Philip Edwards** · 29-06-2018, 17:22

Has anyone heard of this society, looking through my father's service records it is mentioned with a membership number, he was declared unfit to continue in the Regiment 2Batt RWF after 9years 4months from 1935 to 1944. Hearts of Oak.

**welchboy** · 29-06-2018, 20:55

Established in 1842 " To provide a means for persons to save in to a mutual fund, draw upon and provide financial protection in times of sickness. "

In 1992 the society was renamed Hearts of Oak Friendly Society Ltd.

The society was taken over by the Reliance & Mutual Insurance Society in 2007.

**Philip Edwards** · 29-06-2018, 21:22

Thank you for your help, was it usual for the army to set up a fund, or pension for sick or injured soldiers?

**welchboy** · 11-07-2018, 01:00

In answer to your question no it was not nor as far as I am aware has it been the custom for the British military to set up a society for the relief of sick and injured personal. In your case It would appear that your father had the foresight to take out what amounted to a private scheme and had the payments deducted from his pay.

**Keith Jones 989** · 12-07-2018, 01:36

Originally Posted by welchboy

In answer to your question no it was not nor as far as I am aware has it been the custom for the British military to set up a society for the relief of sick and injured personal. In your case It would appear that your father had the foresight to take out what amounted to a private scheme and had the payments deducted from his pay.

Interesting! He was way ahead of his time. Could this be a pre-cursor to the Days Pay Scheme?

**Beachyboy** · 18-08-2018, 09:57

Hello there,looking through my late fathers service and pay book L.Beacham RWF,i too,came across the Hearts of Oak,complete with membership no.Thanks, this site has answered my query.