Applying for non kin WW2 army service records

[MonicaL]

Just a general question if someone could help here (related to this post www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=797914.0).

What is the position on applying for WW2 service records with the following criteria:

• You are not direct family
• You do not have an exact DOB or death cert
• You know approx birth year c. 1908-11 (therefore, one would say very likely deceased)
• You have regiment, rank and service number. You also have some service record details and possible discharge date

Using this for reference www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records/apply-for-someone-elses-records

Thank you 

Monica

[Páll Árni Joensen]

Thank you Monica   

[KGarrad]

You can't apply for anyone else's records unless you can prove that they have died - hence the need for a death certificate

If they died more than 25 years ago, you don't need next-of-kin's permission/approval.

[MonicaL]

Thank you, KGarrad. I saw that from the guidance notes on the link above.

In the absence of a death cert, and likely age of that person today being 107-111, wondered whether there was further options to apply for service records with some bio details?

Monica

[KGarrad]

As far as I can tell - no death certificate = no records available. Simples

This is the MOD you are dealing with! They have procedures that MUST be followed

[MonicaL]

Always an issue for sure....

Monica

[Ruskie]

I'm sure KGarrad is correct, but there is no harm in putting in an application nevertheless. You can add additional information on a separate piece of paper to support your application (and to try to persuade them). They can only say no. 

[rosie99]

 They can only say no. 
[/quote]

I think though that it still costs £30. 

[Ruskie]

They can only say no. 

I think though that it still costs £30. 
[/quote]

Good point, however I believe they don't charge if they don't issue the records. Well worth checking though.

I very much doubt they will issue if you don't dot all the 'i's and cross all the 't's, but depending on the circumstances and reason for wanting the service records, they may oblige.