“The Seamen’s and Soldiers False Character Act, 1905” made it a criminal offence for any person to forge the certificate of discharge or the service papers of a seaman or soldier – something which was commonly done in order to gain employment. For a first offence, maximum imprisonment of one month or a fine of £20. Subsequent offences carried a maximum of three months imprisonment with hard labour. In 1906, the Act was modified to include the Naval Reserve.
