The Internet is a vast store of knowledge. Regular searches are becoming more and more powerful, backed by AI.I’m trying to ascertain (mainly for my dad, but also for personal/family interest) my grandad’s military service records. He was a soldier by trade (I.e. non-conscripted) and served in the army from circa 1925 to end of WW2. He then joined civvy street. In WW2 I know he sailed on MS Batory to Egypt where he was based for part of WW2.
Where / who would I go to to try and get:
Full details of his service
Campaign Medal details - I’m assuming all soldiers would receive at least one, and my grandad possibly another linked to service in Africa.
I don’t know his exact date of birth, it was circa 1905. I do know he was born raised and lived in New Moston.
Any and all help greatly appreciated
Utmost kudos to your father inlaw.We got my father in law's records. He fought Rommel in the desert, was at Anzio then sent to Palestine. The record was very sparse and difficult to understand. No more than a couple of pages.
Best wishes with your plan fella.I’m doing this for my 87 year old dad. He has Alzheimer’s and terminal cancer and his dad is one of the very few things he can reminisce with any degree of lucidity and happiness. I’d love to be able to give my dad the chance to see his dad’s medals and details of where he fought. I’ve only seen my dad really cry three times:
When telling me about the time he stood, as a 7 year old boy at the entrance to his ginell and seeing his dad for the first time in 5 years as he returned from the war.
Aguero
When he had to move into his care home.
I think my grandad wouldn’t mind me helping his son find out something that brings his son so much happiness.
This thread has got me thinking. My Mum’s maternal Grandad served in WWI. I have his service number and I know he served in the 21st Battalion Manchester Regiment and the date he was attested.
On the Manchesters website linked theres a load of photos of the ww1 battalions (think you actually need to login to see them).1/7th Manchester Regiment in Sudan and then Gallipoli 1914/1915
1/7th Manchester Regiment in Sudan and then Gallipoli 1914/1915themanchesters.org
Some great links here . This one seems to deal with the 1st and 7th Battalions in Egypt and Gallipolli but it’s easy to navigate.
The Manchester one?When we researched my wife’s dad’s records we went to the imperial war museum who have an archive you can book to research on the top floor.
LondonThe Manchester one?
Thanks, from an earlier poster’s link, I’ve looked at the site. On one of the photos it shows the 21st Battalion with about 11 men but a list of about 18 or more names but it doesn’t mention him in the list. I know he was definitely in this Battalion. I don’t know how many men were in each Battalion. It’s really interesting but frustrating at the same time.On the Manchesters website linked theres a load of photos of the ww1 battalions (think you actually need to login to see them).
Have a look under the 21st battalion (6th City) in the 'City Battalions - Photo Identity Project' thread and you might be able to spot your mums grandad.
I’m not sure I understand the question. The records are held in storage in Glasgow and pertain to all Army personnel wherever and whenever they served. Some of the older records are at the National Archives but all the 2WW stuff is in Glasgow. They were looking at digitising it when I retired (something long overdue).I’ve just seen this, is that where they served? I already have details of Regiments and Army numbers.
Original battalion size was around 800-900 men.Thanks, from an earlier poster’s link, I’ve looked at the site. On one of the photos it shows the 21st Battalion with about 11 men but a list of about 18 or more names but it doesn’t mention him in the list. I know he was definitely in this Battalion. I don’t know how many men were in each Battalion. It’s really interesting but frustrating at the same time.
WW1 service records are on Ancestry, but only about 10-20% are available, as the rest were destroyed by fire during the ww2 london blitz.I’ve just seen this, is that where they served? I already have details of Regiments and Army numbers.
It can be difficult and frustrating, for sure. I haven't done much of it recently but remember spending hours, with a notepad and pen, going through records and other things people had posted about various things. I'd write something down, try and cross reference something and hit brick walls and think, "Sod it all." If I finally found something it would make the hours of frustration worth it.Thanks, from an earlier poster’s link, I’ve looked at the site. On one of the photos it shows the 21st Battalion with about 11 men but a list of about 18 or more names but it doesn’t mention him in the list. I know he was definitely in this Battalion. I don’t know how many men were in each Battalion. It’s really interesting but frustrating at the same time.
Thank you, I have my Dad’s from WWII. I have my Grandad’s paperwork from WWI. Would you believe the Card he was given when he finished his service with his dates on looks like it was handed over yesterday. I have some papers that shows how much he received when he finished and he was given an overcoat for his services.WW1 service records are on Ancestry, but only about 10-20% are available, as the rest were destroyed by fire during the ww2 london blitz.
Ww2 service records are available from the MOD at the address supplied.
Thank you, I have my Dad’s from WWII. I have my Grandad’s paperwork from WWI. Would you believe the Card he was given when he finished his service with his dates on looks like it was handed over yesterday. I have some papers that shows how much he received when he finished and he was given an overcoat for his services.
My Dad got married to my Mum in his demob suit;)Many were given what they called civvy suits or demob suits, not exactly a gold watch but something at least.
That’s interesting, thank you.Original battalion size was around 800-900 men.
A platoon was approx 30-40men.
4 platoons made up a Company (so 120-160men per company)
Usually 5 companys per battalion (600-800 men)
Then add in all the Senior NCOs and Officers.
You would probably need to wade through every platoon photo and list to see if hes on there.
Even then he might of just been a reinforcement sent to that battalion later so not on any of the photos. You'd likely need to cross reference his attestation date to the date the 21st Btn was formed.
My Dad got married to my Mum in his demob suit;)