Regulations for the Navy Part IICentral Regulations · 1957
(1) If the Commanding officer is satisfied that there was no intention to desert , he shall remove the ‘R’ placed against the name of the absentee under Regulation 132 provided the absentee has not been convicted summarily as a deserter, and cause payment to be made of the pay accrued, the case being reported to the Chief of the Naval Staff for information.
(2) Whenever persons are treated summarily as deserters, the letter ‘R’ shall be placed against their names on the ship’s books.