How do i find my Grandfather who fought in WW2. I know he was in the Royal Artillery and went over to France on a metal pontoon or similar. He joined up immediatey and was in the Army for 6 years reaching the rank of Sergeant an his name, Partick May b December 6th 1915. Any help would be much appreciated Regards
Munchkin, I've edited your title to include appeal for help about RA. Best of luck, Diane PS You are going to be asked if you've applied for a copy of his records, so ... have you?
Hi Diane, Thank you for the edit & help. No is the answer to your question because i did not know how to or that i had to, sorry
welcome to the forum As Diane has suggested you should send off for his service records link below Ministry of Defence | About Defence | What we do | Personnel | Service Records | Making a Request for Information held on the Personnel Records of Deceased Service Personnel best of luck and keep us updated regards Clive
How do i find my Grandfather who fought in WW2. I know he was in the Royal Artillery and went over to France on a metal pontoon or similar. He joined up immediatey and was in the Army for 6 years reaching the rank of Sergeant an his name, Partick May b December 6th 1915. Any help would be much appreciated Regards Do you know where/when he joined up? When did he go to France? Is that his full name (middle names?) Post all info u have and we'll do our best 'till u get his service papers.
Hi Everyone and thank you for your warm welcome and support. Clive - Thanks i will do this Reme - Joined up start of the war in Sheffield. Went to France a couple of dats after D Day and no middle name. Drew - Thank you Tom -Thank you Well i hope i can find him
Have you got any photos of him you can post here ? Any letters home , souvenirs etc that may give us a clue to help you on your way.
Hello & welcome Munchkin It sounds like the metal pontoon you refer to was a Rhino Barge which would probably rule out SP (self propelled) & AA artillery, but was used by field, medium and heavy arty, 90% of which went over after D-Day. Good luck with your search as without more details i'am afraid we can't be of much help. Best Rob
Marriage to Edith Tew Coulsdon registered 1st Qtr 1937 in Sheffield area? Son Michael, registered 3rd Qtr 1938? If that's him, then the Sheffield location might help one of the expert Pals here narrow down which RA unit he may have joined. It seems likely that self propelled and anti aircraft units might be eliminated, so we're getting closer to his unit, at least. From there we might get the War Diary and perhaps some mention of him. Do apply for his Service Records without delay, the waiting time is nearly a year now....
There's a Patrick May attested royal Artillery 1940, service number 1584108 transferred to 127th L/AA on the 27/2/1942.
Just to update you all. I have now received all of my Grandfathers paperwork from the MOD and as a bonus four medals (39-45 Star, War Medal, Defence Medal & 39-45 France Germany star), image attached . Many thanks to all of you who helped me get this information. Regards Munchkin