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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: Hoody123 on Wednesday 06 June 18 00:06 BST (UK)

Title: Tracing soldiers journey
Post by: Hoody123 on Wednesday 06 June 18 00:06 BST (UK)

Hello all,
I’m interested in tracing my great grandfathers journey in WW2. However I only know his name and division. Am I able to do much with this or am I at a dead end?
He was George Mcomish and served in the 51st Highland Division, serving from Dunkirk onwards.
Any help will be appreciated!

Title: Re: Tracing soldiers journey
Post by: Ruskie on Wednesday 06 June 18 00:20 BST (UK)

Welcome to rootschat Hoody.

You can apply for his service records if you fill in the appropriate form and pay £30:
https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records/apply-for-someone-elses-records
This will tell you where and when he served plus more.

War diaries are viewable at the National Archives, Kew:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/second-world-war/
They may not mention your grandfather specifically. There are some who can visit and copy the diaries for a minimal fee, usually charged per page I think so cost will vary.

Title: Re: Tracing soldiers journey
Post by: Drew5233 on Thursday 07 June 18 09:45 BST (UK)

Was he captured in 1940?

Title: Re: Tracing soldiers journey
Post by: Regorian on Thursday 07 June 18 10:22 BST (UK)

First 51HD was captured entire by Rommel's 7th Panzer Division June 1940. Rebuilt UK 8/40 to 6/42, N. Africa 8/42 to 7/43, Sicily 7/43 to 11/43, UK 11/43 to 6/44, NW Europe 6/44 to 8/45.

Title: Re: Tracing soldiers journey
Post by: Hoody123 on Thursday 07 June 18 11:18 BST (UK)

Thanks for the help everyone.
So I’ve since discovered he was in the Gordon Highlanders (according to a picture circa 1940/41ish).
I’m aware that he made it back from Dunkirk, however was missing for 2 weeks.
Is there any way to discover a service number using only a name and DOB? I see that it’s required to request his service record.
Cheers again

Title: Re: Tracing soldiers journey
Post by: Ruskie on Thursday 07 June 18 11:45 BST (UK)

Quote from: Hoody123 on Thursday 07 June 18 11:18 BST (UK)

Thanks for the help everyone.
So I’ve since discovered he was in the Gordon Highlanders (according to a picture circa 1940/41ish).
I’m aware that he made it back from Dunkirk, however was missing for 2 weeks.
Is there any way to discover a service number using only a name and DOB? I see that it’s required to request his service record.
Cheers again

You don't need his service number to purchase his service record though of course it does help.  Name, DOB and death certificate is generally enough.