WW2 Soldier Research - Tips and Links for New Researchers (update)

You may or may not already know that the message board settings probably allow a pre-penned private message to be sent to all new members at registration with a specifically selected circulation list.

Many forums use this function to alert new arrivals to the threads they most often need and to supply some guidelines for how things tend to be done.

If you liase with the staff, they may (or may not) agree to include a link to this thread in such a 'welcome message' and/or include you in the circulation list.

Just an idea.

 

New edition today of the document (removed 26/6/25) I send to new members I notice arriving. Nearly all respond with thanks.

 

Thank you for this helpful resource

 

Many Thanks for the WW2 Intro most helpful

 

Attached is the latest version of Research Tips (27/6/25 removed) I send to new members whose arrival I spot.

I was asked a question this week by a new member about research here and I replied:

Sometimes researching an individual is easy as they are famous, senior rank, book author etc so there is plenty of information about them.

Then there are the "Other Ranks" i.e. not officers and who have no medals. There is some information online, often just a little. Books can still help, especially those published years ago and someone has a copy.

To get some answers there are two options: 1) wait for the service record to arrive (a year plus) as it is the definitive record. It is not available on websites. Then build upon what it reveals and seek help here.

Whilst waiting is 2) learn about the context of your uncle's service. This can be done via reading and seeking help here. It is astonishing how much help can be given. You can then work towards him, so in your case: what happened at Singapore, what did his regt. do?

It all depends on what you want. Some new members arrive, get help and disappear afterwards.

 

One amendment made to the document today (27/6/25 removed) after an updated web link to check British Army service numbers: CMP Army Number Search

Might check the document again one day.

 

Any process requires review ongoing.
So we expect the highest level of attention from you.

 

A couple of websites found in the past may help:

In July 2023 a helpful British Library staffer alerted me to the materials held in many UK national, academic and specialist libraries: Jisc Library Hub Discover

There is a spreadsheet online ‘Open Access Primary Sources for research on the Second World War’ (Responses): Open Access Primary Sources for research on the Second World War (Responses)

Use the tags or subjects that the opening post author in a thread uses. This is good if used for regiments. You can search them: Search Tags | WW2Talk Sometimes the moderators add them.

Finally the warning about research helped by this site and it's amazing members - yes, it can become addictive.

In May 2023 I started to research an obscure battle in North Africa, with many members helping. It is now 64k words, over 142 pages (excluding maps) and the latest edition is Version 31. I am getting there, a few gaps remain. At least more know and Google will bring them here. See: Deir el Shein sources - July 1942

 

A couple of updates.

1) See: Updated WW2 abbreviations & acronyms for x92 pg. document with a very helpful list.

2) Attached is an updated version of my long research tips document.

 

There is a new option for what the National Archives offer, an abridged version of a record. See Posts 522-531 on: MOD ALREADY TRANSFERRING WW2 SERVICE FILES TO UK NATIONAL ARCHIVES 2021