Where to start?

[Amatheya]

Hi,

I want to research the military history of my grandfather unfortunately that side of the family is estranged so my primary source of info is unavailable (yes I've asked for info but I've been ignored) anyway, this being the case I'm a bit stuck as all the info I've got veigue stuff that I overheard when I was little.

What I know is as follows:-

Name - Donald James William Lake b.1921 d.1992
From either Hampshire or Berkshire
I know that he did serve in WWII and I remember stories of him working with tanks (One story was that he saved another soldiers life by pushing him our of the way when a tank fell off a ramp) I also know that he served in Italy during the war and was part of some big battle there, I remember going on holiday to Italy and when I was little and seeing a "castle" on a hill and it being pointed out by my father saying that that was where my grandfather had fought.

Does anyone know any way that I could gain information about my granfather during WWII?

[nanny jan]

Hi,


Just in case you need the details of his parents; here's his birth registration:

Donald JW Lake   JunQ 1921   Newbury 2c   506         (From FreeBMD)
(mother  Denness)

Next of kin can apply for service records for free, others pay £30.   You will find details of how to apply at www.veteransagency.mod.uk .

I hope that helps.


Nanny Jan

[Amatheya]

Yes, thank you that is helpfull.

Can you tell me what kind of details would be held on service records? Up untill now over only ever used free BMD records and Census records, this is my first look into anything more detailed.

Thanks again

[nanny jan]

Hi,

I don't have any WW2 Army records but my father sent for his late brother's RAF records and they showed where he had been posted, what training courses he'd done and ended with  "missing", then "killed in action".

It also gave personal details:  where/when born, description,  trade, religion,next of kin, etc.

I would expect something similar for the Army; if you apply be prepared for a wait of some weeks before you get anything.


Nanny Jan

[percy porter]

The first "Castle on a Hill" that springs to mind is Casino, however that wasn't the only one but certainly the biggest. Googling "Casino WW2" may be of some use to you if you remembermuch about your visit at that age.

Service records as already mentioned can provide a wealth of information and generally are well worth the effort of obtaining them, however there is no guarantee as to how comprehensive they are but worth a punt.

Alan NZ

[Amatheya]

Thanks  Just found a modern photo of cassino taken from the main road, it was a very longtime ago but I'm 99% sure it's the place I saw. I wish we'd gone up there so I'd have more to go on but I guess if I ever get his records it might say something about it... I hate having rubbish rellatives! This would be so much easier if they'd answere my questions!