Royal Engineers Burma WW2

[MargeW]

Thanks Pete

Can you help me with something else? I am trying to obtain his service medal, but the MOD want me to send his death certificate. I have just had a very painful conversation with someone there and have tried to explain that he was missing presumed drowned during active service and that there isn't one. The person I spoke to said I had to contact the GRO who would provide me with a copy. I thought that there wouldn't be one, have I got this wrong?!! Not sure if you can help me.

Cheers

Marge

[bamboo43]

Hi Marge,

Pete won't mind me butting in, Sidney will have a death certificate, probably within the GRO WAR Deaths, Army, Overseas deaths 1939-1948'. The GRO is the place to start, they should be able to help you and produce the copied certificate.

It's horrible being passed from one organisation to another without too much consideration for your feelings. The certificate may even shed some light on the cause of death?

Steve.

[MargeW]

Hi Steve

Thank you so much, I have had a rubbish day and at last I feel like I am going in the right direction. Your help is very much appreciated.

Marge

[bamboo43]

Hi Marge,

Back again, good news, Sidney has a death certificate within the Army Overseas Deaths records.

When you contact the GRO, tell them his reference is:

1944  10   206.

That being year of death, volume number and page number.

With the reference available it should cost you less too.

Good luck.

Steve.

[Pete Keane]

Far more help than I could've been Steve !!

Good luck Marge

Pete

[ScouseBoy]

Thanks for the ward diary information Steve, I will get to London one of these days.

Sidney was born on the 17 June 1924. Like so many others, very young when killed.

Thanks to you both

Marge

    Here is another suggestion:   If one of the "rules"  during WW2  was that they didnt send men overseas until they were age 19,,     then consider  looking   for references  after 17th June 1943  to  troop convoys  carrying RE  units  out to the Burma theatre.    If you  google RE   historic  WW2   records then you  may pick up  more details.   In my experience,   many  troops who ended up in Burma  broke their journey  by disembarking at Bombay.  You have heard of Doolally  (not sure of the correct spellin)   well there was a large Transit Camp  there.

[MargeW]

Hi

Thank you all for your help, I have managed to send of for the death certificate and Sidney's service records this weekend. Once I have the certificate I hopefully will be able to get Sidney's medal.

Haven't found anything yet on troop informaiton, but I shall keep looking. I really appreciate the pointers, they have saved me so much time. Thanks again.

Marge