T/14335465 Driver George Lionel HUMPHREYS, 795 Coy RASC

Hello all.
I’m going around in circles trying to find out ANY information about my grandfather, but still nothing. He did talk about it after the war, nor I have any info. All I have is a release leave certificate. I’ve tried service records. One email said nothing, another saying they can’t release the records.

Could anyone maybe shed some light for me please?

service No.T1H33.5465
Rank: DVR
Names: George Lionel Humphreys
Unit: 795 Coy RASC (GHQ Car)
Place: Italy CMF

thank you

 

James,

(I added this post piece by piece; hence the overlap with Owen's post).

Welcome aboard, though you've been here awhile. We should be able to help.

It will help if you upload his Release Leave Certificate and what reason did the MoD or National Archives quote in the second email for refusing? Often it appears they refuse as they don't know if he is alive or dead.

We always recommend applying for a Service Record, as it is the definitive record of service.

The Service No. is in a format that is unusual, as letters do not normally appear in Army numbers and then as a prefix.

I did find this:

From a privately run RLC (successor unit to RASC) website: Service records on our web site - RLC Digital Archive

I did check that site for his name and a couple of George's and none with a number near his.

The RASC number 1920 to 1942 were:1 to 294000. In 1942 the 'General Service Corps' were formed for the initial training of all new recruits. From then on the new recruits were allocated a number in a series beginning 14,000,000.
From: Army Service Numbers 1920 - 1942

I think his Service No. was 14335465. Still NT RLC Archive.

In 1942 the Army adopted a new method for enlistment, everyone joined the GSC, for initial procedures and assessment. Afterwards you were allocated to your corps / regiment.

His name has not appeared here before and this is the only thread that refers to his unit.

 

Is his number T/ 14335465 ?

T denoting Transport in the RASC.
RASC Service Numbers

If that is the correct number then it shows he originally enlisted into the GSC.
General Service Corps.

 

Thank you very much for the fast replies!

Yes, T/14335465. I cannot find the original email back from the records office. I think it might be too close to his death to now.

I’ve added a photo of his release papers

 

James,

As long as you can supply proof of death i.e. a Death Cert. that should suffice. I always got a few, as they were cheaper than later.

 

Even with that they still won’t release anything.

 

James,

Noted having read the email as displayed. There are posts, if not a thread about appealing against such TNA decisions.

Here are two recent threads: Service records application refusal - Section 38 (1)(a) ? and Help needed with my Father's Service Records. The later needed Rishi Sunak's intervention, although it is not clear why the TNA refused initially.

Both threads are from 2024 and were id'd in an online search with: "service records" + "appeal" site:ww2talk.com There maybe more.

 

Jamesliskeard The 25 year rule has been removed. Submit the request again, I have received plenty of service records for soldiers who passed away less than 25 yrs ago. I think the earliest record I've ever received was for someone who sadly passed in 2018.

 

Jamesliskeard I note date of application in the quoted email is over 2 years ago.

As JohnG505 says things have moved on since then and NA don’t apply 25 year rule. They do apply 115 year rule. The usual advice is to appeal so TNA can review/redact the file and release the file in an edited format.

Please keep the forum up to date on how you get on as there is some inconsistency on how TNA apply FOI rules.

Steve

 

I got another email back. Still not good news…

min kind of lost in what to do now, didn’t real want to wait another 5 years to find something out.

 

Jamesliskeard

Request submitted, let's see how we do.

Best.
John

 

Thank you very much.