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Thread: My dad's WWII records

  1. #1
    Senior Member az_gila's Avatar
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    Thumbs up My dad's WWII records

    My sister just got a copy of my dad's WWII service records, and pouring over them is proving interesting and somewhat fustrating. The naming system for groups is a bit confusing....

    As far as I can tell, these are the groups he served with -

    Enlisted at 18 in Liverpool to the TA, Kings Regiment

    Jul-Sep 1940 10th Battalion (Home Defense)

    Sep 40 - Aug 42 70th Kings Regiment (Young Soldiers)
    Wiki Note Formed from the 10th King's, September 1940 - so he was in at their formation

    Aug 42 - Jan 43 10th Black Watch

    Jan 43 - Oct 43 4th Black Watch

    Oct 43 - Apr 45 1st London Scottish

    Sometimes referred to as the Gordon Highlanders

    I think this is how it was in the Italy campaign
    56th (London) Infantry Division
    One of four Brigades
    168th (London) Brigade
    One of four regiments
    1st London Scottish Regiment

    I think I have the Anzio time sorted out, but am still working on what happened the year after that.

    Some surprises -
    A few hospital stays, one in Dorset and a long one (we knew about this one with a broken back) in Naples.
    At least two AWOL - but only a few hours, each losing a days pay. We think he slept in...
    Five months in Gibraltar Jan to May 43
    Mom always said he was a "young soldier" - I never realised this was the name the Battallion was called...


    Confusing in that the location column that would say "CMF" for Central Mediterranean Forces,
    but did not mean he was actually there, since the records show he was training in the UK.

    Training seemed to be at Bridlington and Catterick. Still working through acronyms - METC for
    3" mortar training is one - was it in Europe or back in the UK?

    Lots of stuff to go through, and dad never talked about it much...

  2. #2
    Geek GingerTheCat's Avatar
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    I got my Dad's as well. Well worth applying for. As you say there is lot's of it.

    It said that he did a Coppersmith course at Blacon in 1942 not long before leaving for Durban.

    Apparently Blacon was Blacon Camp near Chester.

  3. #3
    Senior Member dazza's Avatar
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    I'd like to get my Father's service record. How do I go about getting a copy?

    "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education."... ... ... Mark Twain.

  4. #4
    Senior Member collegepudding's Avatar
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    Like Dazz, I too, would love my Fathers & Grandfathers War records to add to the research I am attempting on our Family Tree.
    Any pointers in the right direction would be very much appreciated.

    Thanks, in advance.

    collegepudding

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    Geek GingerTheCat's Avatar
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    Have a look here http://www.army.mod.uk/welfare-support/23212.aspx

    It did take a long time for them to get back to me with the information as I think they are overloaded with work but it was worth the wait.

    Thinking about it, it was back in 2007 so it might be different now.

  6. #6
    Senior Member az_gila's Avatar
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    My sister got them, and she siad there was a wait, but not too long. You need to be next-of-kin -

    http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Ab...ePersonnel.htm

    If you have a service number (Army Number) it will be easier. I think my sister got this number from dad's discharge and Army pension papers.

  7. #7
    Member Blue70's Avatar
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    I'm waiting for these records at the moment this is what they said about the waiting time when I applied in November:-

    "Unfortunately, due to the very high volume of urgent welfare requests on behalf of former soldiers, family interest enquiries may take as long as nine to twelve months to complete."


    Blue

  8. #8
    Came fourth...now what? Oudeis's Avatar
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    I get an ad at the top of post number one offering free searches of military records.

    I was told that you can have a search done of RAF records at Duxford Air Museum.

    ---------- Post added at 07:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:52 PM ----------

    This is the link from the ad, just in case you do not get to see it...

    http://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/...FQ8gfAodvmJUPg

  9. #9
    Senior Member dazza's Avatar
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    Thanks guys, I think I need to obtain a copy Dad's death certificate then apply with the two MOD forms, for the records.
    "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education."... ... ... Mark Twain.

  10. #10
    Member davemed's Avatar
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    One of the best ways to research for records is get some help.

    I researched over two years all my families military records ( or part of them ).

    I used http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php

    http://www.ww2f.com/

    http://www.ww2talk.com/

    http://www.luftwaffe-experten.org/forums/index.php

    http://www.cwfww2.com/

    http://themanchesters.org/forum/index.php

    http://www.thekingsregiment.co.uk/

    All these websites have members who are willing to help. All you have to do is register and away you go. Then post asking for what ever help you need. See what comes back.

    You will be surprised.

    Applying for official records is a long and consuming job and comes at a price.
    David ( davemed ).

    Every day is a new day. So, enjoy it.


  11. #11
    Senior Member dazza's Avatar
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    David, thanks for the advice. I'll give some of those a try.

    Cheers,

    Daz
    "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education."... ... ... Mark Twain.

  12. #12
    Member davemed's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by dazza View Post
    David, thanks for the advice. I'll give some of those a try.

    Cheers,

    Daz
    Hello Daz,

    Just register and and then pick the forum that suits your requirements.

    I always had excellent come back off all these websites and got plenty of information I didn't have or could not find.

    David.
    David ( davemed ).

    Every day is a new day. So, enjoy it.


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