Help needed please. James Lee

James Lee by Steven Donnelly posted Nov 16, 2016 at 8:20 PM

Good evening,

I am having difficulty tracing my late uncle James Lee (born 6th November 1912 in Renfrewshire. I initially thorght he enlisted in to the army, as his other 3 brothers were all in the army, but I have been informed by the the Historical disclosures department that there is no James Lee record in the archive. They recommended that I request a service record search from the Royal Marines. I am currently in the process of doing this, but in the mean time can anyone please help me out and cast their eye over the only photo that I have of him to see if it looks resembles a Royal Marine uniform during WW11

Many thanks in advance,

Steve

 

The ribbon is perhaps an Africa Star - some of these were issued during the war.

The only distinguishing feature is the tab on his epaulette but I'm struggling to make it out.

 

Is this the same search as:

Help needed please.
and
Private James Lee 5616172

When you say
"I have been informed by the the Historical disclosures department that there is no James Lee record in the archive."

Who exactly was this, do you have the address or contact details for them.

Thanks
TD

 

Hello Tricky,

I sent the complied documents to the department of historical disclosures in Glasgow - when I contacted them via the phone I spoke with a male archivist, I didn't take him name.

Just to confirm, my statement should have read "there is no James Lee on record born on the 6th of November 1912".

 

There is a James Lee on record service number EX3543 does anyone have capacity to conduct a search for me?

Many thanks,

Steve

 

Member 'amberdog45' back in Nov suggested:

"I saw John's Will at the National Records of Scotland website from 1945 and you should be able to download his Will via Scotlandspeople for a few credits or £2.50 for the PDF version. It will be very basic, but it should give next of kin details."

Was there any details in this??

If as you have been told that they [MOD records] do not have a James Lee with a birth date you say he was born on then either there is no record or you have his birth date incorrect - is that possible?
TD

 

Can you upload a copy of this information i.e where does it come from, also without a date of birth or death it will be difficult to 'conduct a search' .

TD

 

To be honest I haven't got John Will. John Was KIA on the 25th February 1945 aged 19 whilst in Germany. How would I obtain his?

I have purchased James birth certificate and I included a copy with the documents I sent to the MOD.

 

Casualty Details
Unfortunately thus is not my James Lee.

Very frustrating

 

Hi Steven

I am not sure where to direct you

You have his birth certificate.
This and the MOD forms have resulted in no results
You do not know when he died

I have to say I am at a loss as to what to suggest

TD

 

James Lee by Steven Donnelly posted Nov 16, 2016 at 8:20 PM

Good evening,

I am trying to find out as much information about my late uncle James Lee. All I have currently is this photo of him in his military uniform.
Could someone please tell me what regiment/unit? Also please try and identify his medal ribbons?

many thanks,
Steve

 

Looks like Africa Star ribbon - the slip on shoulder title isn't clear - I'd guess RA (Royal Artillery) but that is a stretch going on what's visible in the image

 

Thanks for the response, Yeah I’m back on the family history trail and was kinda hoping that there might be a possibility of better technology, newer members there might be a view to provide fresh set of eyes.

 

you now have few threads including this one
Uniform help needed
Help needed please.
Private James Lee 5616172

 

To be honest nothing is going to change to give more info from the photo, technology or fresh eyes won't be able to see anything that hasn't already been seen - the ribbon has been identified, the shoulder title isn't at a good angle on the photo to revel what it says and the uniform itself is basic Battledress Serge introduced just pre War and worn all through the War (there was a simplified version mid War but the early version continued to be used along side it) it was standard wear in the Army (and to a degree Marines, Navy and Air Force) so it reveals nothing unfortunately.

 

Thanks for your comments and help. My uncle seems to be a bit of a mystery and I’m intrigued to know his story! I shall endeavour to try and solve his puzzle. Rest assured I won’t be posting any more bits about him.
All the best

 

Have you his birth and death certs
If so post here

 

Why not apply for his service record - forms available here for the MOD file - Request records of deceased service personnel

You would also need a copy death certificate and his records would answer your question(s)