UK, British Army World War II Medal Cards, 1939-1945

[indigo78]

I've been looking for army records on a ancestor Wreford Douglas Sartin born 1917 Yeovil.  I can see on Ancestry there is a record  UK, British Army World War II Medal Cards, 1939-1945.
It says his rank B,S,M,W,O,I can anyone tell me what does that stand for?
I would also love to find out if there are any other army records for him. I have his service number 905992 but not sure where to look.

Any advice appreciated.

Thank you

[ShaunJ]

"BSM WO II"

Battery Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 2

He was in the Royal Artillery, There is also a Tracer Card for him on Ancestry.

His army records are at the National Archives: https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C19611113

[Clarkey500]

I was just about to reply with the same information as Shaun, so I'll add:

A newspaper report (Western Gazette - Friday 09 November 1945) for the birth notice for his son (I won't name as he could be alive), mentions him as B.S.M. Wreford Sartin B.A.O.R.

The B.A.O.R would be the British Army of the Rhine - where he would have been after WW2.

[indigo78]

"BSM WO II"

Battery Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 2

He was in the Royal Artillery, There is also a Tracer Card for him on Ancestry.

His army records are at the National Archives: https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C19611113

Thank you. Do you know if these records remain closed even if the person in question has passed away.

[indigo78]

I was just about to reply with the same information as Shaun, so I'll add:

A newspaper report (Western Gazette - Friday 09 November 1945) for the birth notice for his son (I won't name as he could be alive), mentions him as B.S.M. Wreford Sartin B.A.O.R.

The B.A.O.R would be the British Army of the Rhine - where he would have been after WW2.

Thank you.

[ShaunJ]

You will have to wait until 2032 to apply for his records.

"Military service records contain personal data, including medical information. They are closed under Freedom of Information (FOI) exemptions until 115 years past the date of birth of the individual."

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/mod-closed-foi-request-step1/C19611113

It was easier when the records were held by the MoD.

[rafcommands]

If you click the black info button on the right pane of the TNA Discovery Result page "Request a search of closed records" you can request the record, or a subset of info be opened by providing proof of death.

"You can Request a search of closed records for this MOD Personnel records if you can provide us with an official death certificate or published obituary, as evidence that the person in the record is no longer living. If the record can be opened, we will make it available and send you a copy."

The black button takes you to a specific online form that you are guided to fill in and auto populates with info required be TNA to action this.

Ross