Understanding what numbers/abbreviations mean on war records

[Nellieginn]

It's a bit like reading the census records....you either can't understand the writing/squiggles or what they've crossed out and written in abbreviations on top. 

I don't understand all the army abbreviations either...and I've tried looking up A.C.I 470, thinking it must be a regulation of some sort, but can't find anything online to say what it may mean.

[Girl Guide]

Try contacting the Great War Forum

Link to their contact page

https://www.greatwarforum.org/contact/

Write and ask if anyone can tell you what ACI 470 refers to.

I don't know how long it would take to get a response.  I don't think you need to sign up to send a message.  You won't know that until you press the send button.  Worth a try 

[Nellieginn]

Thank you, I didn't know about them.....I've sent an email.....we shall see!
Cheers

[KentishFolk]

Girl guide
THanks for the great link for abbreviations
KF

[Stella&NorthWestKentFHS]

ACI 470 could be this: The 470th Military Intelligence Brigade is a United States Army Counterintelligence (ACI) unit that covers South America

If not, no need to reply as I see this is an old post and you may have all your answers.

[Andy J2022]

Since NorthWestKentFHS has resurrected this old thread, I can confirm, as GirlGuide mentioned in the first reply to this thread, that ACI does indeed stand for Army Council Instruction. These days the term used is Defence Council Instruction. DCIs cover all three services.

ACIs were periodic administrative orders which applied throughout the Army, and dealt with a wide range of matters such as pay, allowances, conditions of service, ceremonial, honours and awards, the issue and use of equipment, the Army estate including barracks and quarters. They were not used for operational matters such as deployments. The numbering restarted at 1 on the first of January of each year.

Copies of ACIs can be found in WO 293 at TNA, with No 470 of 1918 contained in WO 293/8