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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: Genegirl on Sunday 28 June 15 03:38 BST (UK)

Title: Grandfather Private Ernest John Biddick records N.Z. INFANTRY 2nd NZEF
Post by: Genegirl on Sunday 28 June 15 03:38 BST (UK)
Hello I'm trying to find records of my Grandfather in the second world war. Photos would be amazing.
He was in the INFANTRY 2nd NZEF.
Died 1972. Born 1911 (I think) in April. April birth month is correct because my mother knows.

Is there some papers? Photos?
I have his name on a shipping log for my greatgrandparents and him going to New Zealand with my grandmother but that's it. I also have a scanned piece of paper from the newspaper.

It's title is:
"Romance of Soldier and Girl Who Hid Him From Gestapo" . Date January 13. Auckland. Think the Telegraph?
But his name is Ernest John Biddock (instead of Biddick. They must've misheard the last name)
Title: Re: Grandfather Private Ernest John Biddick records N.Z. INFANTRY 2nd NZEF
Post by: ScouseBoy on Sunday 28 June 15 08:56 BST (UK)
Have you tried an internet search  on 2nd NZEF WW2 ?

My father in the British Army was in North Africa for about four years, and I know that there were NZ divisions in North Africa.

Presumably the NZ Ministry of Defence  has a system for you to apply for the records of soldiers.   Go to the NZ MoD web site  and download any application forms   
Title: Re: Grandfather Private Ernest John Biddick records N.Z. INFANTRY 2nd NZEF
Post by: ScouseBoy on Sunday 28 June 15 09:06 BST (UK)
I have just searched on the internet and discovered that the 2nd NZEF  fought the war alongside the British 8th Army in Greece; Crete;  North Africa; Italy.

Look it up on Wiki pedia.
Title: Re: Grandfather Private Ernest John Biddick records N.Z. INFANTRY 2nd NZEF
Post by: jaybelnz on Sunday 28 June 15 10:06 BST (UK)
You can get a copy of his Military Record from New Zealand Defence Archives.

There is no charge!

http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/personnel-records/nzdf-archives/charges-copyright.htm

Good Luck!

Jeanne.  😄

Ps. if you have any non-military enquiries about your NZ Family, might be a good idea to post them to the NZ board!




Title: Re: Grandfather Private Ernest John Biddick records N.Z. INFANTRY 2nd NZEF
Post by: Genegirl on Sunday 28 June 15 12:22 BST (UK)
I contacted them via the email.
I really hope they can help.
Thanks.
I'll update if I have any luck.
Title: Re: Grandfather Private Ernest John Biddick records N.Z. INFANTRY 2nd NZEF
Post by: jaybelnz on Sunday 28 June 15 12:48 BST (UK)
That's great!  Let's know how you get on! 

Jeanne
Title: Re: Grandfather Private Ernest John Biddick records N.Z. INFANTRY 2nd NZEF
Post by: jaybelnz on Sunday 28 June 15 13:00 BST (UK)
Try here for more newspaper entries.  I just put Biddock in the search box and lots of results!   

Don't get too fussy about the spelling variations, we all get them, but a good idea to try searching each way spelling!

Jeanne
Title: Re: Grandfather Private Ernest John Biddick records N.Z. INFANTRY 2nd NZEF
Post by: Genegirl on Monday 29 June 15 06:33 BST (UK)
Where?
Title: Re: Grandfather Private Ernest John Biddick records N.Z. INFANTRY 2nd NZEF
Post by: jaybelnz on Monday 29 June 15 06:51 BST (UK)
Aw.. Sorry.  Papers Past NZ. Archived newspapers up to around 1945.


http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast

Happy Hunting

Jeanne  :)
Title: Re: Grandfather Private Ernest John Biddick records N.Z. INFANTRY 2nd NZEF
Post by: majm on Tuesday 30 June 15 01:05 BST (UK)
Hello I'm trying to find records of my Grandfather in the second world war. Photos would be amazing.
He was in the INFANTRY 2nd NZEF.
Died 1972. Born 1911 (I think) in April. April birth month is correct because my mother knows.
......
But his name is Ernest John Biddock (instead of Biddick. They must've misheard the last name)

NZ BDM has this death as Ernest John BIDDICK and his dob as 14 April 1911.  #1972/47435.
https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/Home/

He is listed as the sponsor for your Great Grandparents 1951 migration to NZ.

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=724170.0

Cheers,  JM
Title: Re: Grandfather Private Ernest John Biddick records N.Z. INFANTRY 2nd NZEF
Post by: Genegirl on Wednesday 01 July 15 07:36 BST (UK)
Yes I am aware of that previously :) I didn't mention it earlier sorry.
Title: Re: Grandfather Private Ernest John Biddick records N.Z. INFANTRY 2nd NZEF
Post by: majm on Wednesday 01 July 15 07:51 BST (UK)
I am not sure why you are apologising, I have simply found his date of birth listed on a BDM index, and I am noting the spelling of his surname on the INDEX.   I am sure  if you were to obtain the PRINT OUT of the actual document that the index is pointing to you will be able to then sort out the spelling mistake.

 ;D  ;D  ;D

Cheers,  JM
Title: Re: Grandfather Private Ernest John Biddick records N.Z. INFANTRY 2nd NZEF
Post by: Genegirl on Sunday 05 July 15 02:02 BST (UK)
That's great!  Let's know how you get on! 

Jeanne
They didn't get back to me! I'm not sure why. Maybe it takes a long time.
I thought after this many days they would.
Title: Re: Grandfather Private Ernest John Biddick records N.Z. INFANTRY 2nd NZEF
Post by: jaybelnz on Sunday 05 July 15 06:11 BST (UK)
Sorry you haven't heard back, they're usually pretty good!   I'll phone tomorrow, and if necessary, go down there, it's only about 5 minutes from where I live.  See what I can do for you!

If you could PM me your address, And your name and mother's full name would probably be helpful as well, for authentication of why I am the person looking for the record on your behalf!

I've done a couple for other people on here, so should be OK!

Cheers
Jeanne
Title: Re: Grandfather Private Ernest John Biddick records N.Z. INFANTRY 2nd NZEF
Post by: jaybelnz on Wednesday 08 July 15 10:44 BST (UK)
Hi Genegirl,

I have been in touch with the Archives, and below is a LINK to a PDF which you will need to fill in with all the details required, so that the record can be ordered and sent to you.

I advise you to carefully read all the instructions and requirements on Page 2, they're easy to follow, but there are quite a few requirements, and in particular, No. 5 - relating to the proof of death of the person you are requesting the record for!  If you don't have a death certificate for him, you will need to order the one already advised by MAJM on post dated 30th June. Order a printout rather than a Cert, as they hold more information.  Just click the link on her post to take you to NZBMD Website. You can also order that by phone, but will need your details and your plastic card handy!

*********

Once you have all the required info complied with, and completed the application, The Military Archives Link for the actual record order is

http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/downloads/pdf/pers/pers-archives-enq.pdf

I am currently away from my home for some weeks,  so won't be able to get to the Archives myself as offered. However, it's now apparent that the form needs a little more input from you anyway., but by sending the correctly completed forms as required, plus any other documentation that is required by them, directly to the Archives, you will be able to simply submit your completed forms to order the record.

You will see on the form the address to send your request!  Don't expect an immediate response, most of these Official Documents take at least 10 days to be verified, checked and assembled! Sometimes longer!  Family History and Genealogy takes a lot of patience, and Govt. security when dealing with people's personal information is necessary, so takes a little longer.  So if it's worth having it, it's worth waiting for!  All part of the joys of finding our family stories!

Good Luck

Jeanne



Title: Re: Grandfather Private Ernest John Biddick records N.Z. INFANTRY 2nd NZEF
Post by: Genegirl on Wednesday 08 July 15 11:16 BST (UK)
Thank you very much for doing that for me.
Title: Re: Grandfather Private Ernest John Biddick records N.Z. INFANTRY 2nd NZEF
Post by: jaybelnz on Wednesday 08 July 15 11:21 BST (UK)
...That's Ok - hopefully that will help you along the way a bit! 

Jeanne