Hi, I wondered whether anyone is able to help me. This is my first post and I am looking for information regarding my granddad, Corporal Norman Hutchinson Cruickshank. As far as I am aware he service during WW2 with the 65th medium regiment (RA). His date of birth was the 30/08/1921. I do not have an army number to go from. My dad has for a long time wanted to visit the beaches in Normandy but wishes to visit the beach Norman would have landed on. I have without much luck been able to find much information. If anyone knows how to find this information or knows a good site to find possible army records, it would be appreciated! Hope to hear from someone soon! Thank you! Hayley
Hi Hayley, Welcome to the forum. You should be able to obtain his service number from the Royal Artillery Attestation Books that are available via Ancestry or FMP (can't remember which). However your best bet is to apply to MOD Glasgow for his service record - see below link . You don't need his service number as they will search on a DOB. You'll need his death certificate and MOD charge £30. It takes a month or so for MOD to process the application. Good Luck Steve Y Get a copy of military service records: Apply for the records of someone who's deceased - GOV.UK
This might be him, but has middle name Butcheson, clerical error perhaps? The only other record at FMP is for one that died in 1944, service number 917402. But always best to have the service record anyway for exact details. As Steve said no service number required to apply, just date of birth/death cert.
Hi, Thanks for checking FMP. My interpretation of the above record is that the individual concerned was discharged to W Reserve in November 1940. I believe that is a discharge to work in industry so may not be the OP's grandfather as she speaks of him serving in Normandy. He may even have a non RA service number due to enlistment in a different arm of service and transfer into RA. Safest bet would appear to be to apply for service records with DOB only. Steve Y
Hayley, The war diary for 65th Medium Regiment, June 1944 is transcribed on Pegasus Archive. 65th Medium Regiment, RA Good luck with your research. Guy
Thank you so much for the information so far! All is so interesting! Will apply for the service record and fingers crossed this produces some good results. I have an subscription to Ancestry and FMP but could not locate any further records than those mentioned! If anyone digs up any further info it will be great to hear! Thanks guys!
Ancestry for WW2 will only have info if your relation didn't make it through or was a POW in NW Europe. None of the subscription hold actual service records - thats the MOD's responsibility TD
Hi Hayley, My dad was in the 65th Medium Regiment. I have his Service Record, the war diaries of the regiment from 1939 to 1945 and other information that may be of use to you. I am currently active in further research of the 65th and writing an account of his time in the Regiment. I can specifically share the information i have on the Normandy beach landings. Let me know if i can help John (middy)
Hi John! Sorry for the delay in getting back to you! I would be so interested in seeing all the information you have gathered! My dad is trying so hard to find out information about his fathers time during the war so any info you have that I can share with him would be brilliant! How would be best to share this information do you think? Hayley
Hi Hayley, Sorry for delay but we have just returned from holiday. I have a bit of catching up to do with other things over next few days but will definitely get in touch. There is a way of individuals/small groups sharing info and i will remind myself how to do it and be in contact. I have just completed ( but still needs work ! ) my dad's history in the Regiment and their part in the war. I'm sure your dad would be interested and i have a lot to go at so could hopefully save you a lot of research time. Will be in touch soon. John
Hi Haley, If you still wish to persue can you reply on this forum and i will pick up and make contact. John