Next of Kin - who could this be for a deceased person who served in WW2?

[KitCarson]

Hi,

I've used the helpful link to the MoD website provided and it speaks of the getting the next of kin permission to access an individual's record.

My dad was born in 1925 and died in 1985 (over the 25 years requirement mentioned).  My mum died in 2003 (although they were divorced and neither remarried). Would I be considered as NoK or would it be my eldest sibling (still living).  Just want to understand how it works before I try and apply.  I know he served at some time in his youth with the Royal Signals.  He may even have been in India.

Thanks in advance.

Kit

[Jebber]

Hi Kit,

As your father died in 1985 anyone can apply for his records, just fill in the forms and send off with the death certificate.

It may take a little while, I don't know how quick the turnaround is at the moment.

Jebber

[Ruskie]

Kit, I can't recall if there is an NOK order, but as a child of an ex serviceman you are entitled to apply for your father's service records. I don't recall any necessity for the applicant to be the eldest surviving child.

People not related to a serviceperson can also apply for their records however I believe they receive an amended copy of the records.

You will need a copy of your father's death certificate. Everything else you need to include you will find listed on the forms.

Good luck.

[KitCarson]

Ah Jebber, thanks very much.  Just one of the options I wanted to be clear on.

Now, off to get his death cert 

Edit: thanks to Ruskie also!

Kit

[groom]

Just wondering here - can I apply as next of kin for my late uncle's records?

He died in 2009, never married or had children and all his siblings have died, so his only living relatives are my cousins, my siblings and me, all of whom are named in his will. Would I receive a full record or an amended one?

[casram]

Hi Groom
I applied for my late uncle's records, all I had to provide was his death certificate and state how we were related - he was in the RAF. They sent me his full record - about 10 pages

Carolyn

[Ruskie]

I have only heard on rootschat about the "shorter" version of service records, but don't know what is omitted.

Groom, it won't hurt to add a small explanation on your application explaining the fact that your Uncle had no children and you were named on his will. Maybe mention that if they require further information you are happy to provide it. I generally give more than they ask for just to cover all bases. 

Carolyn, did you provide copies of certificates showing your relationship to your Uncle, or just explain the relationship?

[groom]

Luckily, our surnames are the same, so that should help! 

[Christine53]

The form only requires that you tick a box to say whether you are a sibling , parent etc of the deceased . If you are next of kin , or claiming to be , you sign a declaration as such. There is no requirement to supply proof.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/545054/request_service_details_NOK_pt1_v6.pdf