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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: netti on Wednesday 15 May 13 22:02 BST (UK)

Title: What do copies of a WW2 Army Service Record look like now?
Post by: netti on Wednesday 15 May 13 22:02 BST (UK)
My mother paid for a copy of her late father's service record back in 1988 but it is a short typed up letter listing basic facts only - when he enlisted, was promoted, posted to different regiments. At the end it lists dates of service eg  BEF 9.1.1940 - 31.5.1940, followed by a list of medals issued.

Has this changed at all? Do current applicants receive a copy of the original document much like the WW1 records on Ancestry? The family would like to find out more about his war service - he was issued the Italy Star but his records don't mention Italy, just North Africa to 23.1.45 followed by Middle East to 19.10.45.

I have all the forms filled out ready to reapply but don't want to end up with an exact copy of what was received in 1988.

Thanks for reading

netti
Title: Re: What do copies of a WW2 Army Service Record look like now?
Post by: rosie99 on Thursday 16 May 13 07:15 BST (UK)
Hi netti

My mother also had a typed letter when she applied some years ago.  This year she applied for her records and got copies of documents.  ;D

Rosie

Title: Re: What do copies of a WW2 Army Service Record look like now?
Post by: netti on Thursday 16 May 13 07:56 BST (UK)
Thanks so much Rosie - just what I was hoping to hear!
Title: Re: What do copies of a WW2 Army Service Record look like now?
Post by: john dowling on Thursday 16 May 13 22:02 BST (UK)
hi nettie just received dads ww2 records 13 pages but it took 9 months

Title: Re: What do copies of a WW2 Army Service Record look like now?
Post by: netti on Friday 17 May 13 07:32 BST (UK)
Thanks John - I'll get it posted today and it might arrive in time for my birthday next February then!
Title: Re: What do copies of a WW2 Army Service Record look like now?
Post by: jacksun on Sunday 19 May 13 02:45 BST (UK)
Photocopies of the actual documents in his file with all the details if you are next of kin. If not then everything personal will be blacked out.

They even include any punishments he received (out drinking and back late - AWOL - lose 2 days pay etc), hospitalizations, leaves, and more

Well worth the £30 and 12 month wait :)
Title: Re: What do copies of a WW2 Army Service Record look like now?
Post by: netti on Sunday 19 May 13 10:16 BST (UK)
thanks for the information Jacksun - I posted the forms yesterday so let's see how long it takes...

I think I'll wait 6 months then apply for my other grandfather's record - spread the anticipation!
Title: Re: What do copies of a WW2 Army Service Record look like now?
Post by: joannecarter on Tuesday 04 June 13 10:56 BST (UK)
Hello
Just read this thread..who do you write to for the records, what info do you need....would be great if i could get my grandfathers and uncles records

Joanne
Title: Re: What do copies of a WW2 Army Service Record look like now?
Post by: rosie99 on Tuesday 04 June 13 11:59 BST (UK)
http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/army.html

They will cost you £30 each and I believe a long wait.  If your grandmother is still alive she can apply for her husbands and they would be free.   ;)   
Title: Re: What do copies of a WW2 Army Service Record look like now?
Post by: joannecarter on Tuesday 04 June 13 18:01 BST (UK)
Thank you Rosie99 for your reply

All my grandparents are no longer with us.....wish they were have loads of unanswered questions
Who do i write to in the first instance?

Regards
Joanne
Title: Re: What do copies of a WW2 Army Service Record look like now?
Post by: rosie99 on Tuesday 04 June 13 18:09 BST (UK)
Hi Joanne

I think this should give the information you need

http://www.veterans-uk.info/pdfs/service_records/army_pack.pdf

Rosie

Title: Re: What do copies of a WW2 Army Service Record look like now?
Post by: netti on Tuesday 04 June 13 19:44 BST (UK)
Hi Joanne

Have you got any details about their service such as which regiment or their service number? We thought we didn't know my grandfather's but it turned out it was quoted on my aunt's birth certificate as she was born during the war.

Title: Re: What do copies of a WW2 Army Service Record look like now?
Post by: joannecarter on Monday 05 August 13 13:04 BST (UK)
Thank you Rosie..the site was helpful
 Nettie ..I do have my grandads service number and after reading the site Rosie sent me the link for i need a certificate of kinship...so i am writing direct and hopefully they will send me the forms i need to complete.

Thank you again
Jo
Title: Re: What do copies of a WW2 Army Service Record look like now?
Post by: LizzieW on Monday 05 August 13 17:40 BST (UK)
I got my father's WW2 army records but had to send his and my mother's death certs to prove I was my father's next of kin.  (As I had registered both deaths my name and status - daughter - was on both records)