Lazy enumerators?

[ptjw7]

I thought that the 1939 register was to obtain information on people for ration books and identity cards but!
I have just found a rellie a William Smith with the right birth date and in the right town BUT the wife is listed as Mrs Smith about as much use as a chocolate teapot(as my dad would say!)
So not much use on an identity card!

 

[benny1982]

I have come across similar instances, not on the 1939 register yet but occasionally a post 1837 marriage cert which should give father's name says "Dead" and "dead" under the name and occupation column, so counter productive. Lazy registrars. Maybe his hand was hurting.

Or baptisms with no parents listed, or a marriage with the surname of the woman not listed.