Great Uncle - Canadian Army

Hi all,

My Grandfathers brother, born in 1900 emigrated to Canada in the 1920's. He joined the Canadian Army at some point during the Second World War. I have a photo of him in uniform with his mother in the UK, so I know he served outside of Canada.

As his birth was over 100 years ago, am I able to apply for his service records?

Edit: He died in 1979.

Kind regards
Emps

 

How to find military service records and attestation papers - Veterans Affairs Canada

 

Hi,

I have just read through and it states that you have to be a Canadian Citizen, PR or be currently present in Canada. I am none of those!

Looks like I will need to find a Canadian to help me!

Cheers

 

Hello,

Canadian military service files are held by the LAC in Ottawa. Anyone can apply for service records. They'll even give you 25 pages, culled from the file, free.

We don't have the 100 year rule in Canada so if you have proof of death (either obituary, death certificate or photograph of grave marker) and you're prepared to wait the 24 months (blame the backlog on the pandemic) you can get that.

If you don't have any of those you can apply under our 110 year rule in 10 years.

Regards,

Dave

 

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the advice, I really hope its that easy - (the 24 months wait doesn't sound great!). I did find the following though which I would like to get your opinion on:-

 

Let me come back to you later today. I have several formal requests in there now. I want to call someone I know who works there and I'll come back with the way forward.

 

Can you give us your grand uncles name, so we can see what we can find without his records???

 

Compliments of forum member Klambie, I am in touch with an Ottawa based researcher who can expedite the war records usually within 30 days. He charges a nominal fee for his services. Send me a private message if you are interested.

 

Thanks for the replies and very kind offers of help. 17thDYRCH, I may very well take you up on that offer.

Kind regards