World War 2 record search
Discussion
I recently discovered that a relative's father served in the army during World War 2. I believe he was stationed in Glasgow. I have his name and date of birth but no other details relating to his army service.
What is the best way to find details of his army service? Unfortunately, my relative is terminally ill so we're not sure how much longer they will be with us but would love to know more about his time in the army.
What is the best way to find details of his army service? Unfortunately, my relative is terminally ill so we're not sure how much longer they will be with us but would love to know more about his time in the army.
beambeam1 said:
Just a heads up that requests through the linked service above is currently taking about 6 months or so to process. I've just received response for a request for records submitted in September.
My request took nearly a year from start to finish and that was after I agreed to a censored report due to personal details being withheld.A while (possibly years) ago someone posted a link to a site that let you see name, regiment, rank etc. I remember checking my Grandpa and Grandad in it.
I cannot find it now though.
I used one of those posted above and I think I found my Grandpa but the record is locked until 2034, so it wasn’t what I’d looked at previously.
I cannot find it now though.
I used one of those posted above and I think I found my Grandpa but the record is locked until 2034, so it wasn’t what I’d looked at previously.
I used the gov website link from the 2nd post. I was researching my grandfather and father in laws military records. Usually the military records are release 115 years after their birth with sensitive data redacted. If you request the data it will be checked and if no sensitive data included in their military history then they will probably release the records early ie when you request them, which is what happened in my 2 cases. I supplied a death certificate in both cases which I obtained from the relative authorities. My grandfather was born over 115 years ago so I didn’t expect any problems, all that was redacted was the name of his 2 daughters. My father in law was born less than 115 years ago but they also released his records with nothing redacted. Although it says up to one year in both of my cases their records were released within 6 weeks of application. Not sure if this was because they were normal called up civilians with no special military roles, one army and one RAF or if I just got lucky.
Worth applying now, you never know.
Cheers
Martin
Worth applying now, you never know.
Cheers
Martin
I used the gov website link from the 2nd post. I was researching my grandfather and father in laws military records. Usually the military records are release 115 years after their birth with sensitive data redacted. If you request the data it will be checked and if no sensitive data included in their military history then they will probably release the records early ie when you request them, which is what happened in my 2 cases. I supplied a death certificate in both cases which I obtained from the relative authorities. My grandfather was born over 115 years ago so I didn’t expect any problems, all that was redacted was the name of his 2 daughters. My father in law was born less than 115 years ago but they also released his records with nothing redacted. Although it says up to one year in both of my cases their records were released within 6 weeks of application. Not sure if this was because they were normal called up civilians with no special military roles, one army and one RAF or if I just got lucky.
Worth applying now, you never know.
Cheers
Martin
Worth applying now, you never know.
Cheers
Martin
You can search the national archives for any awards and also search the gazette where any mentions were listed, plus search the newspaper archives for any related stories.
You could also ask your relative to do a potted story of their time on audio if they are still up to it and happy to talk.
My grandpa did a great audio record of his service, which is a treasured memory of him. I found his MC award citation in the national archives and lots of newspaper mentions. There was even a YouTube video mention of him relating to a major battle he was involved in.
Brave people, I hope your relative is well cared for in his remaining time.
You could also ask your relative to do a potted story of their time on audio if they are still up to it and happy to talk.
My grandpa did a great audio record of his service, which is a treasured memory of him. I found his MC award citation in the national archives and lots of newspaper mentions. There was even a YouTube video mention of him relating to a major battle he was involved in.
Brave people, I hope your relative is well cared for in his remaining time.
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