A conscripted soldier from Lancaster, Lancs

Discussion in 'User Introductions' started by Deborah Sherlock, Jul 29, 2021.

  1. Deborah Sherlock

    Deborah Sherlock New Member

    Hi everyone what a great website this is!
    I came across it while researching (which I've been doing for months) which regiment my grandad may have been in.
    My grandad John Retallick was an infantry soldier in WW2 and were among the first British soldiers to enter Belsen concentration camp.
    I really wish I'd asked him about his experiences in the war, my mum said he never talked about it.
    The only thing he said about Belsen was "We killed them with kindness" giving the prisoners food they couldn't digest.
    I remember on a photograph of my grandad in his uniform a badge on his sleeve with a picture that resembled a hog or a boar but then again I could be wrong.
    If I knew which regiment my grandad was in it would help me with my research (I hope).
    If anyone out there could possibly help me find out which regiment he may have been in or any other information of what his experience as an infantry soldier would have been like, I would be so very grateful.
    Many thanks
    Debbie
     
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  2. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Hi,

    Your only way forward is to apply to UK MOD for copy of his service records. They will search on full name and date of birth.

    Request records of deceased service personnel

    Don’t bother with Forces War Records or any other sites that promise WW2 service records as none are in the public domain.

    It may take a while to get the records but they contain all the information and will act as a firm foundation on which to build your further research.

    Good Luck.

    Steve
     
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  3. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

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  4. Deborah Sherlock

    Deborah Sherlock New Member

    Hi Steve
    Thank you so much for your advice. I shall certainly try that, you've been very helpful
    Thank you again
    Debbie
     
  5. Deborah Sherlock

    Deborah Sherlock New Member

    Hi, thanks for getting back to me.
    I don't think it did look like that but then again the more I look at it....I'm just not sure.
    I'm going to have to ring round family members and find this photo.
    Thank you very much for taking the time out to help me though, it's very much appreciated.
    Debbie
     

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