Death certificate for those killed in action during WW2

[AliMacD]

Thanks again for all the info. I have looked through the attachment but can't open any of the links to documents mentioned. I was aware he was listed as a WOIII, but as an ex-military man myself was unfamiliar with such a rank? Can you tell me what PSM stands for?
I saw that Harold Robert Luke was not one of the six shot in the woods. I guess he was killed in the battle preceding them staying in the barn where the SS found them as he died 27th May 1940.
Regards
Ali

[AliMacD]

Thanks again for all the info. I have looked through the attachment but can't open any of the links to documents mentioned. I was aware he was listed as a WOIII, but as an ex-military man myself was unfamiliar with such a rank? Can you tell me what PSM stands for?
I saw that Harold Robert Luke was not one of the six shot in the woods. I guess he was killed in the battle preceding them staying in the barn where the SS found them as he died 27th May 1940.
Regards
Ali

Just worked out what PSM means, Platoon Sergeant Major.

[Jebber]

This is the reference to order the death certificate.

British nationals armed forces deaths 1796-2005

Name    HAROLD R LUKE   
1940 Service number    634485 Rank W.O.III
Royal West Kent Regiment
GRO War Death Army Other Ranks (1939 to 1948)
Volume 6 Page    323

Jebber

[Drew5233]

Platoon Sergeant Major was a rank introduced around 1939 and only last to 1941/2 IIRC. The purpose of the rank was to promote senior and experienced NCO's to a rank where they could command a Platoon or equivalent in battle, thus replacing the need for an officer. It was a only a short term measure to help reduce the need for junior officers due to a shortfall of officers at the start of the war. The badge they wore is still used today in the British Army- The Sergeant Major's crown surrounded by a wreath, the same used by RQMS's today.

[AliMacD]

Thanks Jebber and Drew for your information, very helpful thanks.

[Drew5233]

Depending on how far you want your research to go on this chap I would consider obtaining a copy of the battalions war diary and the regiments Missing Men file at the National Archives in London. Whilst nothing is 100% the circumstances of his death may be recorded by a witness in the Missing Men file. Drop me a message if you'd like the reference numbers for both files.

Cheers
Andy

[AliMacD]

Thanks again Andy. Will check TNA.

[Fran21]

Hi 
My Uncle died in Italy on  12oct 1945 and is buried in Padua war cemetery how do I find out what he died of ?? The family story is he fell out of a wagon !!! As this was after the war ended I am curious to know what happened. His name was William Herbert Hewitt aged  27  he was in The Pioneer Corps army number 7667701.
Any help would be great.

Many thanks Fran,...

[nanny jan]

Two ideas to consider:

You could apply for a copy of his service record; cost £30 from MOD or send for a copy of his death certificate, which might give details of an accident.

How to apply for service record:

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=651361.0


Details for death certificate:

GRO War Death Army Other Ranks (1939-1948), volume 11, page 39, line 30;  year 1945.
William H Hewitt, 7667701.