https://www.gov.uk/guidance/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records#how-to-apply-for-service-personnel-records TD
Oh FFS......what year are these people living in? No online payment facility whatsoever! They want me to send a cheque.....we don't have them here in Spain. And even if they did I could only write a cheque in Euros! So that's me screwed!
The reason I'm quite impressed here. Tracing the Welsh side of my own family led to thirteen people of exactly the same name being christened on one day in one town. Tracing virtually stopped. Who knew a tight tradition of family names would cause such genealogical issues!
That's why in a lot of places you'll still hear people being called "Dai The Milk", "Dai The Bread" etc.
I can't see any tel contact on there for that dept. Edit.....just been given this: 0345 600 9663 And they're there 10-12 tomorrow!
Sometimes from abroad if you have Skype or a Livebox equivalent phone for example it might be cheaper to call the landline: Mod Army Personnel Centre in Glasgow Kentigern House 65 Brown Street Glasgow Glasgow G2 8EX View on map T: 0141 248 7890 TD
Hi Pete,You seem to be doing very well with the amount of information you are receiving.We really do have wonderful folk as members.Should you decide you need war diaries etc.Please do not contact the National Archives Kew, direct.Their research and copying fees are astonishing.We have members who visit Kew on a regular basis.Several offer a very,very,reasonabley priced look-up and copy service.Delivered to your door.So inexpensinve and professionally presented.You should perhaps be warned!This research we start,never,never,seems to have an ending.Regards,Veronica.
Thanks Veronica! Can you elaborate on what you mean by War Diaries? How does that differ to the War Records that I'm trying to get from Glasgow?
Service Records - are a personnel record for each man of which units he served in between certain dates and where he was in general terms. War Diaries - are a daily record made by each unit of what happened on that day, some are more detailed than others. They often report missing men, numbers of casualties etc normally I think on a weekly basis, but sometimes immediately after an action. They also record officer movements and those of what are noted as OR's (Other Ranks). Once service records for a man have been received then you will know which units he was in and for how long, you can then obtain the relevant War Diaries (WD's) to see where exactly he was and what he (or rather the unit) were doing. Completely different animals TD
Pete, pay a visit to the gallery, there's loads of examples of War Diaries and all sorts in there. Will keep you well busy while you wait the few weeks it takes to get a hold of the service record. Good luck with your search. Thanks for sharing the photo of your Dad and keeping us all up to date. Looking forward to reading about the journey you plan to take. Cheers Maria
Thanks RD and Maria! By the way I found this vid on YouTube.......am I right in thinking this is Stalag IV-B? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxZFnTaSvj0
See this link for what might be found in a unit War Diary http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/54959-ww2-commonwealth-army-war-diaries/
Spoke to Glasgow......it has to be a cheque! No doubt they want it sent by carrier pigeon to retain the "olde worlde" feel! Really is pitiful that in 2015 some UK Gov Depts can't offer an online payment option! The Passport Office in contrast has a great system......all done online, and done and dusted in 10 days with new passports returned. So now I'm in limbo till I can find a way round this crap.
Hi Pete humm eerrr, now it's just a thought....... Is there a neighbour who you can trust to write you a Cheque in sterling and you give them the exchange in Euros? Although slightly different I wrote the cheque for my mother, who at the time was unable to write anything, for my father's records I did include a note say she was ill, MOD never queried it. Maybe someone has a different idea that might help Good luck David
Pete, I'd easy purchase you postal orders here in Angus and forward to Glasgow on your behalf if you want. You could do a transfer. I'm heading to post office tomorrow.
Hi David......I live in a village that's 3000ft up in the mountains of Granada, Southern Spain. Cheques and GBP don't exist here. This is the environment that I've lived in for the past 10 years.....very rural! As far removed from the Brit enclaves on the Costas as you can get! So I'm going to have a word with a couple of mates back in the UK and we'll sort something out. I'll PayPal them the dosh and they'll give me a cheque!
Many thanks......but just heard back from a mate and he's offered to do it. I PayPal him the money and he sends me the cheque. Obviously the timescale is likely to be longer this time of year....but at least the wheels will be turning.
