Applying for Army Service Records WW2
- Lee Layland
- Non Member
- Posts: 43
- Joined: 13 Oct 2009 18:59
Applying for Army Service Records WW2
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.
Many thanks, Lee.
Lee Layland
Names: Layland, Longworth, Liptrot, Knowles, Ashcroft, Thompson, Hill, Wilkinson, Tyrer.
Names: Layland, Longworth, Liptrot, Knowles, Ashcroft, Thompson, Hill, Wilkinson, Tyrer.
A warm welcome to the forum Lee, I'm sure one of our genies will be able to help you.
All the best
Tina
All the best

Tina
- Tina
Cornthwaite,Milburn,Coll,Gaffney,Pearce,Singleton,Hazlehurst,Cuthbert,Mackintosh,McAllister,Morana, Corfield
Any census/bmd information within this post is Crown Copyright from http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
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.
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.
MaryA
Our Facebook Page
Names - Lunt, Hall, Kent, Ayre, Forshaw, Parle, Lawrenson, Longford, Ennis, Bayley, Russell, Longworth, Baile
Any census info in this post is Crown Copyright, from National Archives
Our Facebook Page
Names - Lunt, Hall, Kent, Ayre, Forshaw, Parle, Lawrenson, Longford, Ennis, Bayley, Russell, Longworth, Baile
Any census info in this post is Crown Copyright, from National Archives
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.
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.
Hilary
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- Lee Layland
- Non Member
- Posts: 43
- Joined: 13 Oct 2009 18:59
RE: Army Service Records
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.
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.
Lee Layland
Names: Layland, Longworth, Liptrot, Knowles, Ashcroft, Thompson, Hill, Wilkinson, Tyrer.
Names: Layland, Longworth, Liptrot, Knowles, Ashcroft, Thompson, Hill, Wilkinson, Tyrer.
Fingers crossed Lee, I don't think it will take quite as long as that.
MaryA
Our Facebook Page
Names - Lunt, Hall, Kent, Ayre, Forshaw, Parle, Lawrenson, Longford, Ennis, Bayley, Russell, Longworth, Baile
Any census info in this post is Crown Copyright, from National Archives
Our Facebook Page
Names - Lunt, Hall, Kent, Ayre, Forshaw, Parle, Lawrenson, Longford, Ennis, Bayley, Russell, Longworth, Baile
Any census info in this post is Crown Copyright, from National Archives
Oooh!
MaryA
Our Facebook Page
Names - Lunt, Hall, Kent, Ayre, Forshaw, Parle, Lawrenson, Longford, Ennis, Bayley, Russell, Longworth, Baile
Any census info in this post is Crown Copyright, from National Archives
Our Facebook Page
Names - Lunt, Hall, Kent, Ayre, Forshaw, Parle, Lawrenson, Longford, Ennis, Bayley, Russell, Longworth, Baile
Any census info in this post is Crown Copyright, from National Archives
- Lee Layland
- Non Member
- Posts: 43
- Joined: 13 Oct 2009 18:59
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 .
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 .
Hilary
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- Lee Layland
- Non Member
- Posts: 43
- Joined: 13 Oct 2009 18:59
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.
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.
Lee Layland
Names: Layland, Longworth, Liptrot, Knowles, Ashcroft, Thompson, Hill, Wilkinson, Tyrer.
Names: Layland, Longworth, Liptrot, Knowles, Ashcroft, Thompson, Hill, Wilkinson, Tyrer.
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
Blue
Member No. 8038
NIL SATIS NISI OPTIMUM
NIL SATIS NISI OPTIMUM
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.
Blue70 no photo in the Army records height, weight, eyes, hair, girth when fully expanded and religion. Dad's run to several pages.
Hilary
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