Liverpool & South West Lancashire FHS - Forum

I'm in the process of applying for the service records of my grandfather. It says on the application that I need to send a copy of the death certificate. My question is this - does it need to be a certified copy, or could I send a photocopy, print out of a scanned image?

Many thanks, Lee.

A warm welcome to the forum Lee, I'm sure one of our genies will be able to help you.
All the best

Tina

Hi Lee and welcome to the forum.

I believe you would need a certified copy of the certificate, also probably need to prove your own relationship to your grandfather. It sounds like you have one of these which I would suggest that you send, and make sure that you request it is returned. I don't think they need to keep it for any reason, just use it for proof.

The instructions for filling in the form say

You must also include:
i. The written authority of the immediate Next of Kin on this form if you are not the next of kin.
ii. If you were NOT the spouse or civil partner of the subject at the time of death (or parent if there was no spouse or civil partner), then include an administration payment [Cheque for £30 (Sterling) per record requested].
• Cheques should be made payable to “The MOD Accounting Officer” when searches of the RN/RM or Army service records are requested.
• For searches of RAF records, cheques should be made payable to “HMG Sub Account 3627”.
Please note that payments are not refundable.
iii. A copy of the death certificate of the person whose record you seek.

I think I just made a copy of my father's death certificate. They are strict about the next of kin and who they will release the papers too so check the next of kin list carefully. If you aren't the next of kin and the designated next of kin is still living you must have their written permission to apply for the records.

Also be aware that it can take months for the records to come so don't expect it to be a quick process.

In the end I phoned them up (thank you for all your replies).

Tried on the freephone number and couldn't get through - managed to get through on the international number.

You only need a photocopied death certificate is the official answer.

A letter came back within 7 days saying that the search can take between 9 month and a year, time for a few coffee's then!

Thanks all.

Fingers crossed Lee, I don't think it will take quite as long as that.

I think it will!

I know someone who sent for their father's in February/March time and still waiting!!

Oooh!

Hope it's worth the wait! It's for my mum's dad - he died when my mum was 16 so she didn't really know him. She wants to find out as much about him as possible.

Thanks for this information. I didn't know these records were available does anyone know what they include?

Blue

They are a copy of the person's full Army records and as such record the original attestation, medical details - any stays in hospital, postings etc, leave etc. Embarkation to foreign shores etc. Any charges etc.

The only thing my father's doesn't tell me is why he was mentioned in despatches!!

The Army does have a strict order as to who can order the records so check that first .

Have you searched the London Gazette?

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/search

If your father was mentioned in dispatches it should be in there.

Just found this that may be of use?

http://www.ww2awards.com/award/1860/abc

And this:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/docu ... /wo373.asp

Hope these help.

Thanks Hilary. I've got a next of kin so I was able to apply for the records. I was hoping the records might include a photo but apparently not then. This soldier was an estranged member of the family so it will be interesting to see when he joined up, next of kin details, addresses and his movements.

Blue

Lee - I have the London Gazette the family bought which contains his name - it doesn't come up when searching. I also have his certificate but don't know what he did to get it.

Blue70 no photo in the Army records height, weight, eyes, hair, girth when fully expanded and religion. Dad's run to several pages.