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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: sonstar on Thursday 22 August 13 19:26 BST (UK)

Title: RAF Service Record - Service Number
Post by: sonstar on Thursday 22 August 13 19:26 BST (UK)
Evening all,

How do I find out about my Grandads service history, he has passed away recently and it is something I never got around to doing with him.  :-[

I can give you details of when he joined the RAF and left, his name etc etc.

Best wishes
Sonia
Title: Re: RAF Service Record - Service Number
Post by: busybod on Thursday 22 August 13 19:48 BST (UK)
Hi Sonia,

I think you have to have permission from the next of kin.  Did your Grandad have a wife and is she still living.  If you go to www.raf.mod.uk/community/support you will find a form to fill in to access his service records.  I think there are two forms to fill in, one for if you have permission from next of kin and for if you dont.  I sent for my Father's records last year and got them back in about a month.  It costs £30.  I don't know what their turnround time is now. 

Good luck.
Title: Re: RAF Service Record - Service Number
Post by: sonstar on Thursday 22 August 13 19:51 BST (UK)
Hi Sonia,

I think you have to have permission from the next of kin.  Did your Grandad have a wife and is she still living.  If you go to www.raf.mod.uk/community/support you will find a form to fill in to access his service records.  I think there are two forms to fill in, one for if you have permission from next of kin and for if you dont.  I sent for my Father's records last year and got them back in about a month.  It costs £30.  I don't know what their turnround time is now. 

Good luck.

BRilliant I will ask Grandma.

Will it be possible she will have his service record at their house still? x
Title: Re: RAF Service Record - Service Number
Post by: sonstar on Thursday 22 August 13 19:55 BST (UK)
I think I may have found his RAF number, can I do anything with it now?
Title: Re: RAF Service Record - Service Number
Post by: busybod on Thursday 22 August 13 20:08 BST (UK)
I wouldn't have thought that your Grandma would have had Grandads service record at home, but its worth asking.  If I were you I should ring the RAF at Cranwell, I'll get you the number and get back. You will need his service no. for the application form.
Title: Re: RAF Service Record - Service Number
Post by: busybod on Thursday 22 August 13 20:18 BST (UK)
Good news, your Grandma as his widow will not have to pay the £30. 

Ring: RAF Disclosure Section, Room 221b Trenchard Hall, RAF Cranwell, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 8HB.

Tel 01400-261201

I found them to be very helpful.

Best of luck.
Title: Re: RAF Service Record - Service Number
Post by: sonstar on Thursday 22 August 13 20:25 BST (UK)
Good news, your Grandma as his widow will not have to pay the £30. 

Ring: RAF Disclosure Section, Room 221b Trenchard Hall, RAF Cranwell, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 8HB.

Tel 01400-261201

I found them to be very helpful.

Best of luck.

Thank you so much. I appreciate this.

Sonia
Title: Re: RAF Service Record - Service Number
Post by: busybod on Thursday 22 August 13 20:29 BST (UK)
You're welcome.
Title: Re: RAF Service Record - Service Number
Post by: sonstar on Friday 23 August 13 08:16 BST (UK)
What information will be on his Service Record? Do you get details of where he went and what he did? What his medals are etc?  :-[
Title: Re: RAF Service Record - Service Number
Post by: busybod on Saturday 24 August 13 14:53 BST (UK)
Yes, you should do.
Title: Re: RAF Service Record - Service Number
Post by: sonstar on Sunday 15 September 13 20:50 BST (UK)
I have my Grandad's service record from his time in the RAF, I was hoping it would shed some light on his previous life. He was married before my grandma and had 2 children, the details have been crossed out in the record I have so I cannot see - is there any way I can retrieve this information? I have all details except that :-( please help!
Title: Re: RAF Service Record - Service Number
Post by: DeeBoneham on Monday 16 September 13 12:20 BST (UK)
It is unlikely that it will be available from that source. You might be able to look up his previous marriage on www.freebmd.org.uk or a source like that. 
Dee