Liverpool & South West Lancashire FHS - Forum

Hi All.
I am about to send off to Portsmouth For my late Fathers navy records.
The form asks for various information that i am unable to supply, ie official service number and his National insurance number. There is no way i can think of in getting his service number, but what about his national insurance number?
Can anybody point me in the right direction to obtain this record? My Dad Died in May 1989. If i cant supply this info what are the chances of getting his records found? As always grateful for any help.

Thanks. Gareth

Now you've got me on that one baffled, except I wonder if it might be possible his employers are still in business and would they have any records? or is there any chance of finding it out from the DSS, pension records - without telling them exactly why of course.

Thank you Mary and Bert.
Mary, on my Dads DC it states that he was at the time involved in electroplating and was living in Enfield East London. I have tried in vain contacting local firms in the area, so no luck there, certainly worth a shot. It was a bit of a long shot anyway as on my half sisters BC it states Alfred Fletcher, Father, occupation, at that time, journeyman electro plater. So he could have worked any ware No one left to ask.
Bert. have tried that link before, unfortunately the telephone number no longer works But thank u for the lead. Have tried the works and pensions route but its now automated by some faceless robot, so as soon as I mention NI it thinks I m am looking for my number, Doooo.
There is a section on the records application form asking for additional info.
Well my Mother was his first wife and she told me that he was in command of his ships guns, anti aircraft I think, and one day a torpedo was fired at his ship and was visible to my Dad . He was supposed to ring a bell and retreat to the far side of the vessel. He wasn't having any of that and ordered his gunners to fire all that they could at the incoming torpedo and they destroyed it before it could hit his ship. He won some sort of medal for his efforts. Do you think that could be enough to trace him. Just for the record my Dad Alfred Fletcher was born on the 21 July 1925, 144a Brownlow hill. Liverpool.
Any other thoughts would be most welcome.
Thanks. Gareth

Thinking about this and possibly HMRC, also his National Insurance number should be on his Medical Records. Ring up General Medical Council and ask how to go about getting his NI number. Was he in Hospital? etc etc.

I suspect asking for another persons NI number will be viewed with suspicion, I also suspect only the HMRC can legally give it out after certain conditions have been met.

Phone up HMRC National Insurance and they will put you through to the correct department or write.


https://www.gov.uk/government/organisat ... ndividuals

Thanks Katie and Bert.
I think organising a game of poker with the Pope would be easier than getting my late Fathers NI Number.
Tried HMRC again, Various numbers, You cannot break out of their automated system to actually speak with a real person, well I couldn't.
Good idea Katie. The name of the Hospital is On his DC. I spoke to one of their team just now and they couldn't help me, too old for their records and could not guide me any further, well it was nearly 30 years ago.
The person I spoke to at the hospital said have I tried the citizens advice centre as they sometimes have access to numbers not generally available to the public, worth a try.
If I draw a blank again I think I will still get the application form off for his records and hope for the best.
Thanks. Gareth.

I would just put Not Known in those 2 boxes. The forms says it's essential you put in as much detail as you can but we don't always know the details.

In the space for more details put what you know in that box.

If they are not able to find the records with the details you give they will contact you.

Thanks Hilary.

Will do. Sometimes you just have to go for it.
Bless you. Gareth.

Hi all.
Just to let you all know. Sent off for my Dads WW2 navy records. And I used Hilary's suggestion by putting not known in the national insurance number box and also his service number as not known. I included his birth and death certs and bingo, received his records this morning.
Just to let the forum know I think his birth date and place clinched it. Also on his medal record It gives his land address at that time, which would also have helped.
So anybody thinking of applying for a relatives navy records but are put off by lack of some details, go on give it a try, and it only took two weeks
Hope this helps. Gareth.

Well done! and so quick too

Thanks Mary.
Have posted a copy of the record under the military section so members can see what they can expect to receive. Plus what I hope is an interesting tale.

Gareth F.

Pleased to hear it worked out well for you.