But what about this?
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... r_18_B.pdf
4. Excess absences in the 5(3) year qualifying period
4.1 Under paragraph 2 and 4 of Schedule 1 to the British Nationality
Act 1981, there is discretion to waive excess absences in the
qualifying period. We should normally consider exercising this
discretion as set out below, but only when we are satisfied that
applicants have genuinely thrown in their lot with the United Kingdom
and meet the other requirements. NB. Where an applicant’s
absences include periods of “technical absence”, the application
should also be considered in accordance with paragraph 9 below.
4.1.1 Absences totalling 480 (300) days - normally disregard.
4.1.2 Total Absences of up to 900 (540) days - consider disregarding only
if the application is otherwise in order, and if applicants have
established their home, family and a substantial part of their estate
here. We should also expect:
a. at least 2(1) years residence (without substantial absences)
immediately prior to the 5(3) year qualifying period. If the period
to be disregarded is greater than 730 (450) days, the period of
prior residence should be at least 3(2) years; or
b. the excess absences to have been due either:
i. to postings abroad in Crown service under the government
of the United Kingdom or in service designated under
section 2(3) BNA 1981 (see paragraphs 9.3-9.4 below in
relation to technical absence for Crown service, and
Annex B to Chapter 4 for designated service). [NB.
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Special provisions are in place for current and former
members of HM Armed Forces (see Annex B(i))]; or
ii. to accompanying a British citizen spouse/civil partner on
an overseas appointment (see also paragraph 6 below
where the appointment is in Crown or designated service);
or
c. the excess absences to have been an unavoidable consequence
of the nature of a career (for example a merchant seaman or
someone in UK-based business or employment which requires
frequent travel abroad);