COMPLETE with thanks... Can I get access to British army records from Australia?

[hilbury]

Hello everyone 

I have a copy of a medal card for a Victor Hardy and would like to find out more about him.
I have had a look at the National archives site and I couldn't see any extra info about access to army records.

I'm in Australia so I can't just pop in to the records office to have a look 
Is there another way to get a look at these records (if they exist?) without hireing a researcher?

This is the medal card:

[Wendi]

Hi hilbury !

Not really for WW1 records, they are all at Kew and not online, however there are some researchers who advertize their services on Rootschat and I understand a few are reliable and don't cost a fortune 

I would always say if you follow this route, be specific about what you require, and hand over no money until they have forfilled your requirement.

Wendi 

[hilbury]

Hi Wendy,

Thanks for the info.
That may be the way I will have to go, eventually. 

You never know, one day I might be able to convince hubby that a holiday to London is a good thing.
 

Thanks
Hilary

[Rochdalian]

Hi

The medal card shows that he was discharged prior to the end of the war by the fact that he received a silver war badge (SWB).  This badge was given to people who where discharged, for whatever reason, before the end.  Do you know when or why?  Not being an expert I can't really interpret the other info except that he appears to have received the 'trio' of medals,  was in the Army Service Corp (ASC) as a driver.   There are some very knowledgeable  'Chatters' on here so you may wish to repost with a heading asking for help to decipher the card - or on the WW1 forum.

You could try joining a specialist WW1 web forum like http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/ and asking for info in the 'soldiers' thread or ask for a look up in the 'I'm going to the Archives' thread.  I suggest you don't ask for a look up for his service record immediately but try a look up for his entry in the Medal Roll first or the SWB register. 

Cheers

Bob

[hilbury]

Hi Bob

Those are some very good suggestions, you have given me some new directions to go on with here.
Unfortunately there is almost nothing known about this man by the family, hubby's G-grandfather.
Don't realy know if this is his card, except that he says he was a driver for the army on his marriage certificate in 1915.

Thanks for your help on this and I will try the options you have suggested
Take care
Hilary