University of Edinburgh Archive and Manuscript Collections

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'This lad was very backward at school, had a low IQ, did not sit control exam. Worked in a shop for a time but could not count the change; then on a farm. Is now in the navy. [Male informant] says that he had brains but used them the wrong way; a liar and mischievious. Dr says this boy seems OK now.'

Relatives in survey: 22.3, 22.5

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'Not very bright, immoral, a bad egg. Shrewd. Worked in munitions during the war, "wears fur coats and has a young man" . Dirty, would lie in bed till midday and neglect her family, but could always catch the 2 o'clock bus to go to the pictures. Siblings: None known. husband died of TB. Children: House dirty, overcrowded. Much of the above from gossip. Minister confirms - of low intelligence.'

Relatives in survey: 24.5

Scope and Contents "This man was always deserting from the Navy, not quite compos mentis, has been in trouble for stealing boats, poaches. Casual labourer but doesn't work much. Parents have been in court. At present on unemployment benefit - was sacked for smoking at his work. Has otherwise been regular at work. They have had a lot of trouble at home. Nurse: He won't work and won't want. Father, a labourer, 50+, looks weedy and syphilitic. Mother, 40+, seems OK. They fight a lot - have been in court for it....

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'This man is a "desparate fellow", a tramp and casual labourer.'

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'Served a prison sentence for housebreaking. PC says he is very peculiar, disappeared for 10 days recently. Seems vacant when you speak to him, takes a very long time to reply. Ex-army.'

Relatives in survey: wife 19.54

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'This man is said to be a bad lot and very immoral. He is illegitimate. Married to a nice though feckless woman. PC thinks this man is all right. His children are bright. [Female informant] just a low lout, poaches. if he could do you a dirty he would. Has not worked for 8 months. House clean, not overcrowded. Dr - this man was in a depressive state last summer. Was out of work for a time. Has an illegitimate child. '

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'This girl has had both kinds of VD, had an illegitimate child which died, was formerly a maid.'

Relatives in survey: siblings 22.52, 22.50

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'[Male informant] says this man is a character, steals, should be included. He was an aicraft worker, now a labourer. Big simple soul.'

Relatives in survey: sons 24.16, 24.17, 24.18

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"Sergeant says she is a very bad girl. Was in service but spent many nights sleeping in the town with soldiers. Is now at home looking after an illegitimate child. Says this family used to live 14 in 3 rooms, just like rabbits."

Relatives in survey: Mother 25.23, siblings 25.39, 25.41, 25.42

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"A terrible character. Has tried about 10 different jobs but has never held any of them. Only would spend about a week and then was ill for 3-5 months. Dr cannot understand how people ever employ her. Now off with a bad foot - no swelling. Born lazy. On insurance benefit."