Relatives military history.

[XV370]

My uncle who passed away several years ago served in the Army in Italy, North Africa and Northern Ireland. A few years ago before he died my mother (his sister) got him his medals that he never got after his military service in World War 2.

She now has these with his dog tag.

I would like to see if I can see what he did in the army as he didn't discuss it much with anyone after his service ended.

Is there any way of doing this?

[csnewton2701]

Hi XV370,

Yes you can view his service records. My great great grandad died at the start of the Somme. I was able to use his service number and create a log of what happened.

Usually somewhere like Ancestry is a good place to look but you would need to subscribe.

Chris

[sdad]

Service records for WW2 are with the MoD!

[XV370]

Service records for WW2 are with the MoD!

Can the public access these on request.
I also have a photograph of him in his military uniform which may give clues to what unit he was with at the time.

[sdad]

https://www.gov.uk/government/collectio ... e-records

Once you have the service record, it will need interpreting but should lead to further research. By research, I mean in original archive documents, not published books. Some originals are available online but that's a couple of steps away at the moment.

[XV370]

https://www.gov.uk/government/collectio ... e-records

Once you have the service record, it will need interpreting but should lead to further research. By research, I mean in original archive documents, not published books. Some originals are available online but that's a couple of steps away at the moment.

A good starting point, thank you.

[Condor68]

If you have his dog tags you will be able to track everything they have on record and they will give you that info,unless he was doing things that he wasnt.You can start on line but if you dont get anywhere I think its Kew they have all the military archives.I will have to check if I have all the details but we got every detail of a relative from preparation for war until he died at Caen and the complete war diaries of his unit. WILL CHECK AND REPLY

[Condor68]

I typed in a load of details and they have gone as I got logged out while typing ? Basically archive records section at KEW dont know the Official title.If he was an Royal Engineer probably b\need tocontact Glasgow but they will give you a link.Glasgow needs to be a face to face visit .

Hope this helps PM me if I can be of any more help

Keith

[sdad]

OP? Progress report?