Service records

Discussion in 'Service Records' started by Janis Howbrook, Oct 22, 2019.

  1. I'm not sure of anything any more to be honest with you. There is also an effi ient service medal which I have found out he couldn't have got either.

    All 5 medals are on one long pin/clasp
     
  2. Charley Fortnum

    Charley Fortnum Dreaming of Red Eagles

    If it were me, I'd take Tullybrone's advice.

    Ask them whether they've mistakenly omitted the B103 and whether they could double check for you.
     
    Janis Howbrook likes this.
  3. Thank you. I will phone them tomorrow
     
  4. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Hi,

    I agree with your comments re shoddy records in wartime but having been issued his medals in 1948 he would’ve been within his rights to draw the attention of the Medal Office to his “missing” 39/45 Star. I’ve not heard mention of any Medal Office mistakes on the forum over the years. There is clearly no official entitlement to the F&G Star - unless he re-enlisted post 1943 discharge.

    42nd Division joined BEF In France early April 1940. I’m still inclined to the possibility of him being retained at home as he was under 19 at the date of embarkation.

    32nd (Midland) Anti-Aircraft Brigade | Wikiwand

    2nd Anti-Aircraft Division (United Kingdom) - Wikipedia

    377 Searchlight Battery were part of 44 Searchlight Regiment RA. They moved to 66 AA Brigade in Dec 1941 eventually transferring to 5th Anti Aircraft Group in October 1942.

    Steve
     
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  5. Is there any other way of finding out if he was with the 42nd Division at the right time?
     
  6. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    I presume that is the Efficiency Medal?

    Efficiency Medal - Wikipedia

    Unlike the 4 ww2 medals it should be named to the recipient. Can you post the details on the - likely on the rim? Which sovereigns head is on the medal - attach a photo if you’re unsure.

    Steve
     
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2019
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  7. Charley Fortnum

    Charley Fortnum Dreaming of Red Eagles

    The details of dates posted to units is usually on the (missing) B103 form.

    There is an extreme long shot that you could consult the 126th Field Ambulance Diaries from the National Archives at Kew and see whether his name is listed, but as a non-officer, I wouldn't expect him to be.
     
  8. Charley Fortnum

    Charley Fortnum Dreaming of Red Eagles

    Good thinking, Steve.
     
  9. Charley Fortnum

    Charley Fortnum Dreaming of Red Eagles

    Which matches the records.

    I'm going to go with outside possibilities now: when I applied for my own grandfather's records, I received two entirely separate bundles: one for his first stint during the war, and one when he signed up as a territorial in the post-war era.

    Is it conceivable (anyone?) that we are lacking documentation for an additional stint of service after his 1943 discharge. Something that took him to France and Germany in 44/45 with post-war service to account for the efficiency medal?
     
  10. That wouldn't be possible though would it? His record says he was discharged in 1943 as permanently unfit for any form of military service
     
  11. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Hi,

    I agree with that possible assessment. I’ve seen WW1 records where men discharged on medical grounds re-enlisted into TA when it reformed in 1921.


    I think “embodied service” counted double in the calculation of the 12 year qualifying period so his 3 years 8 months war service = 7 years 4 months plus 3 months peacetime service May to August 1939 = total 7 years 7 months. He would need a further 4 years 5 months service towards his TM.

    If he rejoined TA post war - before 1947 - he ought to have served under his initial number but post 1948 he would have a new 8 digit number.

    Could you let us have an image of the writing on the rim of the Efficiency Medal please Janis?

    I would also point out to Glasgow that you have your fathers EM - engraved with the same number as your fathers and suggest to them that you suspect he re-enlisted into TA post his discharge and ask them to look for those additional Service papers.

    We need someone to join us whi can navigate the London Gazette as I understand that the Efficiency Medal awards are recorded there.

    Steve
     
  12. hutt

    hutt Member

    377 Searchlight Battery has a diary at Kew, WO166/3220 which runs from August 1939 to April 1941. He might, just might be named in that.
     
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  13. The writing at the top of the form that mentions 377 searchlight battery does have a date of 6-4-41
     
  14. Hi

    I would have to get in touch with my sister and try and get hold of the medals. If I manage to get them, I could take a picture, but that might not be for a few days..... I'd have to get back to you on that one
     
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  15. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Hi Janis,

    PM sent.

    Steve
     
    Janis Howbrook likes this.
  16. Thank you. Have replied x
     

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