Serviceman searches

[Dragon Lady]

I have been given four photos, one of my maternal Grandfather [merchant seaman] and two definates and one maybe maternal great uncles [army I think].

I know three names.  Can some tell me how I start searching for their services histories.

Also, my paternal grandfather was a Japanese POW who died in a Camp.  Any info how I go about reasearching him?

All WWW II

Any ,how to. information would be very much appreciated please

I can try and post the photos on here if it would help to identify uniforms

[kyt]

All WW2 records are only available to NoK via:

http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/service_records.html

However, if you can give us names, service, and/or CWGC entry for the POW we can try to see what we can do to help.

And photos would be a great help.

K

[Dragon Lady]

Thanks so much for your reply. 

I suppose my mum would be next of kin as she is the oldest surviving relative of the uncles.  Not sure how it would work with my maternal Grandfather though because he was my mums stepfather.  Her own father was killed in the war and we know absolutely nothing about him unfortunately.

As for my paternal grandfather, I will have to ask my dad.  I know he has a little information but not sure what.

Thanks again.  It maybe a while before I post again as I'm off to France on monday for work.

First photo is my maternal grandfather - Harry Poluton
Second Photo is my maternal grandmothers brother - Kenneth Birch

[Dragon Lady]

Other two photos, we know one of them is my maternal grandmothers other brother Edward Birch, but not sure who the other one is, other than he is a family member.

Any info on uniforms etc., would be greatly appreciated.  Got to start somewhere

[Dragon Lady]

Hi back again,

Got some information from my dad re; his Father.

Name:           Jack Hill   -  Driver I.C.
Service:         Army
Number:        2347755
Died:             12th September 1943 - Dysentery

Dad says that he has been told he died in Amboinia [sp?]

That's all we can find out at the moment.

If anyone can advise how to find out any further information it would be greatly appreciated.

My dad never knew his dad so anything I can find out would be great

Many thanks

[kyt]

He was with the 77th Heavy Anti Aircraft Regt (or rather, he was attached to the unit as he was from the Signals Corps)

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=4007437

They had originally been earmarked to be used in North Africa but were diverted to Singapore when the Japanese attacked. However, because their convoy was so slow it arrived after Singapore had surrendered and so they were diverted to Batavia.

You can read about their arrival and eventual surrender here

http://www.geocities.com/dutcheastindies/java.html

K

[old rowley]

Welcome to Rootschat Dragonlady, and the armed forces board.

I can only add to Kyt's posting by saying that Jack Hill was captured on the 8th March 1942. Also it may help you to join COFEPOW (Children of Far East Prisoners Of War) to see what information thay have, a quick search on their site
www.cofepow.org.uk
gave me the capture date above.
You may also wish to join the fepow community discussion group on Yahoo! and to ask about Jack Hill and the 77th on there. All those that contribute on that site are very helpful and many will go out of their way in helping others (like here really).

OR

[Dragon Lady]

Thank you so much for your help.  The CWGC site is great, it has also given me the names of my dads paternal grandparents.  Something we never knew.

Can't wait to tell him whats been found out already, his date of capture. It's a great starting point for me and dad.

Thanks so much again.

Just got to sort out who'se who in the photo's now.