Francis harry wilkinson war records

[Stainforth]

Inwasnt really sure where to post this! My great grandad francis harry wilkinson was a private in the second world war and died in 1939 from lung disease. My grandma said he'had been gased during the war which resulted in permanant lung damage. I wondered if there is anywhere i can view records, either online or in archives, about him? My dad has his medals and tge number on them is 20742. Would there be health records as well as service records available? Any help greatly accepted 😃😃

[KGarrad]

The MOD still holds all service records for personnel serving after 1920!

See: https://www.gov.uk/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records

There will be a fee of £30, unless his spouse applies.

[jds1949]

If he was gassed in the war and died in 1939, then he served in the First World War - not the Second.

There is a medal card for an E. H. Wilkinson Private 20742 7th Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers, who was entitled to the British War Medal, Victory Medal and 1915 Star. He first served in France landing there on 15th October 1915. He was demobbed on the 8th February 1919. Across the top of the card is written: "See WILKINSON M.M., Francis H identical" - which indicates that there is another card for him showing the award of a Military Medal.

There is indeed another card for F. H. Wilkinson M.M. - with exactly the same information as posted above - only this on has "See Wilkinson E. H. - identical" written on the top. So, I would suggest that in addition to the usual Victory, British War and 1915 Star your man, if this is your man, also won the Military Medal.
 
I can't see any service record for him, hardly a surprise as 60% were destroyed in the 1940 Blitz.

Hope that helps to get you started,

jds1949

[Stainforth]

Thank you kgerrard, I will check that link out and see I can apply.
Jds1949, thank you for correcting my error and for the furthur info. He has 4 medals so thank you for the explanation of what they are