RootsChat.Com
General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: Beza on Thursday 15 September 22 15:53 BST (UK)
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Does anyone have access to this site and can provide a lookup?
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Is this the site you are referring to?
https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/search-military-records-for-free?
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yes
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Depending on what you are looking for, it may be available elsewhere.
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I refer to John Helm Army Number 5674198. He was in 2/5 of the Queens Royal (West Surrey) Regiment in WW2. He was born in St Helens Lancashire on 19/5/1919. From National Archives I know he was a POW captured in Abbeville, France on 21/5/1940 and taken to Stalag XXA. From Ancestry I know he spent time in Stalag 383 (Prisoner Number 5741) until his liberation in 1945. I also know from Ancestry that he was demobbed on 15th July 1946. Forces War Records hold 4 x records but I cannot access as not a member. Just wondered of these records provided any more additional info e.g. date he joined? When he was moved from XXA to 383 etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Phil
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I hope someone will be able to direct you to where you can find more information about John.
I have not heard of anyone having a subscription for Forces War Records. The site used to get a bit of criticism here, as most of the records on the site were available for free elsewhere, but that may have changed over the years. You may find the four records they have are the ones you have already seen on Ancestry.
In general, WW2 Service records are still with the MOD. There is a £30 cost and about a years wait after you apply for the record. Apparently the service records are gradually being put online, but there will no doubt be a fee to access them some time in the (distant) future.
Regarding POW records, I’m sure someone will be able to tell you if there is somewhere else to obtain specific POW information. I vaguely remember a thread some time ago where some information was found elsewhere.
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Thanks Ruskie I appreciate your time to reply and try to help.
Phil
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Do the Red Cross hold records for POW's ?
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Do the Red Cross hold records for POW's ?
This might help - right at the bottom....
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/british-prisoners-second-world-war-korean-war/
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Regarding POW records, I’m sure someone will be able to tell you if there is somewhere else to obtain specific POW information.
The only PoW record I found was at TNA under WO 416/*/* Someone at TNA might ba able to tell you how these are organised. It told me the place of capture, and traced his path round the camps until his final demise for uncertain reasons.
The other card I found was a death card, also under WO 416/*/*, following the loss of a Lancaster and its crew over Belgium. Apparently the Germans were very efficient in letting us know of people captured/killed etc [1]. They were more punctilious with RAF personnel apparently but I have no idea why.
[1] TNA, WO 162/204, War Office, ‘History of Prisoner of War Branch (London) (Cas P.W)’
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When you said you found a card was it John Helm?
Phil Orrell
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When you said you found a card was it John Helm?
Phil Orrell
Assuming you're referring to the PoW card then sorry it wasn't.
There is a card under WO416/172/118 that refers to a John Helm, service number ending: ......198
If you do find a card at Kew, you have to view it under supervision - basically in a locked room. You are able to take photos of them.