Pointers.......

[JustTheTip]

I lost my father when I was 16, and one of the things that struck me after his death was how little I knew about this great man. I know that he was in the navy in the second world war (minesweepers) and that after that he was in the police (dealt with the Krays and all their cronies).

What I'd like from the PH massive is any pointers on how I can find out more about his life.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Trooper2]

Find out if any one in the family is working on a genealogy book for the family, could be a 3rd cousin or other distant relative already has the information you seek.

If your Dad was in the military and police it could be a double edged sword as both organizations keep great heaps of records, but they can be hard for a civilian to get there hands on. Be prepared to use your countries freedom of information act.

If you can find out or know where he was stationed in the Navy call the base and ask if there is a base historian.

Good luck and happy hunting, sir.


Edited to add: also libraries and the county hall of records in the county(ies) were he lived could be of some use as well.

>> Edited by Trooper2 on Sunday 3rd April 06:11

[medicineman]

Internet search engines?

[stigproducts]

Lots of tips on here
www.bbc.co.uk/history/familyhistory/index.shtml

[simpo two]

When I found my father (RNVR) had never claimed his Defence Medal, I got it sorted out and sent by the 'Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency', NPP(Acs), Centurion Building, Grange Road, Gosport, Hants PO13 9XA. The phone number I have (from 1997 so might have changed) is 01705 702409.

[anhamgrimmar]

try
www.veteransagency.mod.uk/service_recs/service_recs.htm#part

they seem to have a linkie for family research of millitary records

[GlenMH]

simpo two said:

When I found my father (RNVR) had never claimed his Defence Medal, I got it sorted out and sent by the 'Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency', NPP(Acs), Centurion Building, Grange Road, Gosport, Hants PO13 9XA. The phone number I have (from 1997 so might have changed) is 01705 702409.

That number will now be 023 9270 2409

Cheers

Glen

[2 Smokin Barrels]

I would have thought surviving relatives would be as good a bet as any?

[JustTheTip]

Thanks for the tips everyone!