New user, Bristol, England.

Discussion in 'User Introductions' started by RussBristol, Dec 22, 2014.

  1. RussBristol

    RussBristol New Member

    Hello, my name is Russell and although I have always been interested in WW2 I have never joined any sort of group or forum etc. I do read a lot on the subject and my main interest is the Eastern Front.
    However my Dads brother, who died a few years ago, was in the Eighth Army in North Africa and I would like to research his past. I used to ask him questions when I was younger but he wouldn't answer anything so I backed off.
    I would like to ask what would be the best way to go about this research, I am happy to pay to join one of the websites but would really appreciate someone's advice in which is the best path to take.

    Many thanks, Russell
     
    canuck likes this.
  2. 4jonboy

    4jonboy Daughter of a 56 Recce

    Hello Russell and a warm welcome to the forum.

    The best place to start is to apply for your Uncle's service records. They cost 30 pounds but be prepared for a bit of a wait, around 3 months. Make sure when you apply to ask for the FULL records. You don't need to have his service number but you will need his full date of birth. They will tell you which unit he was in and where.
    https://www.gov.uk/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records

    Have you any photos of your Uncle in uniform or does your family know anything at all about him? Anything at all, no matter how small, usually helps us.

    Good luck with your research.

    Lesley
     
  3. Mike L

    Mike L Very Senior Member

    Hi Russel and welcome to the forum. We are a friendly lot here so ask any questions you may have.

    Good advise from Lesley above, with a copy of your Uncle's record you can search for war diaries for the units he served with.
     
  4. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Hello and welcome - Service Records are the way forward :)
     
  5. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Welcome to the forum.
    Don't join any website that wants money off you.
     
  6. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Welcome to the forum
     
  7. Lotus7

    Lotus7 Well-Known Member

    Hi and welcome from me to, (merry Xmas), wish you well with your research. The forum is a fantastic place with a wealth of knowledge.

    Best wishes

    Lotus7.
     
  8. RussBristol

    RussBristol New Member

    Hello 4Jonboy, Mike L, Drew5233, Owen, Cl1 and Lotus7, thanks for your warm welcome and merry Christmas to you all.

    Thanks for the advice on the service records I will definitely get on to that. I have spoke to my cousin (son of mentioned Uncle) and he thinks that there should be some photos around, he is in the process of sorting through his Mothers things as she recently died, and has promised to pass any on to me.

    My Dad (Uncles step brother) is a lot younger than my Uncle so has only limited memories and also said he would not speak about his experiences much.

    One story my Dad recalls from his older brother, and I obviously can't confirm, One night the Tank crew dug a trench outside of the Tank as it was safer to rest/sleep outside. He was woken by his helmet being moved by a hand and was frozen to the spot thinking it was the enemy. He later found that it was a Gurkha feeling the shape of his helmet to identify him in the pitch darkness, then slipped away in the night.

    Thanks again, Russ.
     
  9. RemeDesertRat

    RemeDesertRat Very Senior Member

    I love stories like this, from the horses mouth as it were. Welcome to the forum, please post pics if you can and any other info you can find out about your Uncle, you'll find lots of helpful people on here.
     
  10. Bluebell Minor

    Bluebell Minor Junior Member

    Russel

    Welcome

    Do you know what Regiment your Uncle served in? The many Expert Contributors to this splendid site might be able to give you a brief summary of where he might have served in advance of the formal Record of Service
     
  11. RussBristol

    RussBristol New Member

    Hello again, I don't know if this thread still exists, but I will give it a go.
    I hope anyone who responded in 2014 are still well.
    I eventually contacted my cousin and after sparking some interest with him, he applied to the MOD and has now sent me my Uncles military records, which are extremely interesting.
    He was actually in the 46RTR, I have a copy of all the paperwork but finding it difficult to understand all his movements.
    I could scan a copy of his service form if anyone would like to have a look?
    I have examined dates and campaigns and I got a rough idea of his movements but it is quite confusing, I know for sure he was in Operation Husky.

    I was a little apprehensive in prying into his military life as he would never speak of it, but his son has give me permission to do a little investigating.

    Thanks in advance
     
    4jonboy, CL1, Tony56 and 2 others like this.
  12. Steve Mac

    Steve Mac Very Senior Member

  13. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Feel free to start a thread is this part of the forum >> Service Records
     

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