Hi there, trying to do a little research on my Grandfather on my Dads side, luckily I met him when he was alive and can remember watching old war films with him. But sadly I was too young to actually ask him about his service, or if he did tell me I just can't remember. What I do know is he was in the RAF as ground crew and was in either Egypt or the Middle East, as I remember seeing a picture of him in Khaki's in what appears to be the desert. Did a little digging and found two people with the same name, or variations as him, with the service numbers: 552352 1104619 His name was Sydney Malcolm Hodgkinson Possibly could be mis-wrote as Sidney? Anyone know of any information? Thanks in advance
This is an image on his wedding day, not sure if you can see anything on his uniform that would be helpful to identifying anything
Anything found on sites other than containing primary records (eg those written at the time) has to be treated with caution. Any time you try to get records to fit by assuming misprint is a red flag on your method. Best and only source for full information on his service number, postings and trades is his service record and you do not need a service number for this application. This is held, at the moment by the MoD. You get different amounts of info on whether you are enquiring for your own record, or deceased person and how long they have been deceased. 25 years from death is the figure where the same amount of info is released as the person themself will have been given. Detail on how to apply is on the MoD website and using the new online RAF scheme you get a return between 3 and 6 weeks from application. Ross
If his full name was Sydney Malcolm Hodgkinson then only the pre war boy entrant fits - 552352 - got a couple of years for full service record release since death was 2000. If his full name was Sidney Hodgkinson (no middle name) then two possibles - 1104619 early 1940 entry at RAF Padgate or 611730 pre war civilian entry (munich crisis 1938) Ross
Hello. If you get a copy of his marriage certificate it may have his service number on it. This will help when you apply for his service records, although that is not necessary if you have his full date of birth. Lesley
Was the wedding at a church in Golborne, Lancashire? If so have a look at, too long to search through: Lancashire OnLine Parish Clerk Project
