Searching for a Service Number?

[Viper]

Hi, I'm trying to obtain service records of both my Grandfather and Great Grandfather. I've been on https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence/about/publication-scheme#how-to-apply-for-records-of-service-of-deceased-service-personnel downloaded, completed and sent off forms with a cheque.

I've since received both forms back, as they were unable to obtain records using just the names and date of births. They've requested that I send them the service numbers in order to complete the search.

Unfortunately I don't have the service numbers, so my question is, how can I go about obtaining the service numbers?

I know that my Grandfather was in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, after volunteering for National Service following WW2. My Great Grandfather served in WW1, but unfortunately, I don't know what regiment he served in.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[nanny jan]

Hi,

If either of them married or registered the birth of a child during their time in the Army, then you might find their number given as part of their "occupation".


Nanny Jan

[Viper]

Hi,

If either of them married or registered the birth of a child during their time in the Army, then you might find their number given as part of their "occupation".


Nanny Jan

Thanks Nanny Jan, great idea.

I checked my Great Grandfather, and he got married in 1915, with his Wedding Cert stating that he was a coal miner at that point in time (February 1915). On Ancestry.com I'm not sure where the link has come from, whether it was my sister from her research, but I've also got down for 1915 "Private in the Royal Irish Rifles (no. 288)".

In regard to my Grandfather, I've no idea what the dates were of his National Service, but know it was following WW2. He was married in June 1950, whereby it states his occupation as Colliery Maintenance Fitter. So I assume that this would have been following his return from National Service.

[andycand]

Hi

Unless your greatgrandfather served into the 1920s his Service Record would not be at the MOD but at The National Archives. Unfortunately some 60% of WW1 Army Service Records were destroyed by fire during WW2, the surviving records have been digitised and are on Ancestry.

Andy

[Viper]

I appreciate that, and thanks.

However, the point still stands, is there anyway of ascertaining what their Service Numbers were?

[nanny jan]

Hi,

You could search for a Medal card (on Ancestry) for your gt.grandfather; if he has a distinctive name you might find one......if he's John Smith there could be problems!


Nanny Jan

[andycand]

I appreciate that, and thanks.

However, the point still stands, is there anyway of ascertaining what their Service Numbers were?

Hi

As nanny jan said you can look on Ancestry for your greatgrandfathers Medal Card, and if you can identify it, you will find his Service Number. Also his Service Records will be on Ancestry if they still exist. There is no use applying to the MOD for your greatgrandfathers service record, even with his Service Number, unless he was still in the army in the 1920s, as they wouldn't have them.

As far as your grandfather is concerned it becomes more difficult, you need to look for any family documents that might have a Service Number on them.

Andy

[millymcb]

There is a medal card for a Private in the Royal Irish Rifles number 17/288

Entered theatre of war: France.

Perhaps it was noted down by your sister as a possibility?

You don't give his name so I won't but the initials are TC

Milly

[Viper]

There is a medal card for a Private in the Royal Irish Rifles number 17/288

Entered theatre of war: France.

Perhaps it was noted down by your sister as a possibility?

You don't give his name so I won't but the initials are TC

Milly

Thanks Milly. I didn't even think to give names to be honest, but no sadly, his initials are not TC.

Grandfather = William Wolstencroft [DOB 25 June 1928]
Great Grandfather = John William Potts (Grandmothers Father) [DOB 29 November 1892]