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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: isaacivell on Monday 07 October 13 18:08 BST (UK)

Title: Help in finding anything on my Great-grandfather?
Post by: isaacivell on Monday 07 October 13 18:08 BST (UK)

Hi, I only recently found a letter from my Grandfather that listed a few details on his fathers carrier in the RAF. Is there anyone who can help me find some more detailed records or information of him, or the RAF base he served in. I'll also attach an image of him in his uniform that my Grandfather passed on to me.

Leslie Charles Ivell
Cpt
RAF Stn Gibbet Hill, Hindhead Surrey
1257205 (Service Number)
Iraq ?

Thank you,
Isaac

Title: Re: Help in finding anything on my Great-grandfather?
Post by: CaroleW on Monday 07 October 13 18:43 BST (UK)

Leslie was born 1916 Paddington London - mothers maiden name Jones.  He died 1958 Surrey.  His parents were William R & Ellen who married Godstone 1910

Title: Re: Help in finding anything on my Great-grandfather?
Post by: isaacivell on Monday 07 October 13 20:55 BST (UK)

I was actually looking for something about his military carrier, but thanks anyway.

Isaac

Title: Re: Help in finding anything on my Great-grandfather?
Post by: Hackstaple on Monday 07 October 13 21:05 BST (UK)

Quote from: isaacivell on Monday 07 October 13 20:55 BST (UK)

I was actually looking for something about his military carrier, but thanks anyway.

Isaac

Firstly he is a CPL [Corporal] not a CPT.

Secondly no WWII records are available on line. Next of kin may apply for them. There is a fee of about £30 and a wait of 3 to 6 months.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/142480/request_for_service_details_raf_application_part2.doc

However, I am  a bit puzzled as you refer to your grandfather's father - that would be your great-grandfather and I really can't see that you could have such a relative serving in WWII. Perhaps you meant your father referring to your grandfather's war service?

Title: Re: Help in finding anything on my Great-grandfather?
Post by: isaacivell on Monday 07 October 13 21:30 BST (UK)

Thank you for that correction, I know little of military history hence the error. I am surprised to hear that no WW2 records are available online, but may be able to have Leslie's next of kin apply for them.

And yes, perhaps surprising, but the person that Carole mentioned is my Great-Grandfather, and served in the Second World War.

Thanks again,
Isaac

Title: Re: Help in finding anything on my Great-grandfather?
Post by: Hackstaple on Monday 07 October 13 21:55 BST (UK)

I am really very old. My father fought in WWII.
However, here is an interesting account of the RAF in Iraq in WII - you mention Iraq.
http://www.historynet.com/world-war-ii-air-war-over-iraq.htm

Title: Re: Help in finding anything on my Great-grandfather?
Post by: Hackstaple on Monday 07 October 13 22:02 BST (UK)

It looks as though the photo is a wedding pic. Interesting to note that he was wearing his RAF uniform in 1949.

Title: Re: Help in finding anything on my Great-grandfather?
Post by: isaacivell on Tuesday 08 October 13 17:16 BST (UK)

I am most likely to be one of the youngest users on Rootschat, which would explain the confusion. I had a photo of him labelled 'with pals in Iraq' which was why I believe he fought in Iraq.

I agree that the photo is most likely to be a wedding photograph, he was serving in the RAF up to his death.

Title: Re: Help in finding anything on my Great-grandfather?
Post by: bleckie on Wednesday 09 October 13 07:55 BST (UK)

Hi Issac

Below is a link on how to obtain the service records you are looking for

You do not have to be the immediate next of kin

http://www.raf.mod.uk/community/support/requestforinformationfromservicerecords.cfm

Yours Aye
BruceL

Title: Re: Help in finding anything on my Great-grandfather?
Post by: isaacivell on Wednesday 09 October 13 08:09 BST (UK)

Thank you BruceL, I will check out the link you posted.