Searching Record

[Robert Fletcher]

How do I go about getting my fathers army record? His name was George William Fletcher b. 22 Mar 1913 I guess he would have enlisted about 1930. He served with the Royal Leicestershire Regiment in India. Some photos I have indicate the NW Frontier still trouble today.
He did not serve in WWII, I don't know why but he was in the Home Guard.
So what steps should I take to get his record, is there any on-line resources?

[km1971]

Hi Bob

There are no online resources, as the records for men discharged after 1921 are still classed as private. As a descendant you can apply to the MOD on payment of £30 - free to his widow. You need a copy of his death certificate and they recommend you have his army number. If you only have his date of birth they do not guarantee finding him.

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/WhatWeDo/Personnel/ServiceRecords/MakingARequestForServiceDetailsOfDeceasedServicePersonnel.htm

If you do apply you should request a copy of the full record. Otherwise there is a danger they will send just a summary.

Ken

[mmm45]

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/WhatWeDo/Personnel/ServiceRecords/MakingARequestForServiceDetailsOfDeceasedServicePersonnel.htm

Bob
Heres where you next need to go

Ady

[Robert Fletcher]

Thank you for that information I have just been on the site and downloaded the forms. As I am in Australia I will be visiting the UK in June. Would it be easier to lodge my request personally OTC.
That way I can take all the original documents with me. Sometimes certified documents by a JP in Australia is not accepted as with passports.
The other thing I see is they want a cheque no cards that means it will almost double the cost with the $AUD30 bank fee.
Dad died 35 years ago would I need to prove that I am NOK by showing mothers death cert.
Thanks

[Wendi]

Hi Bob !

To my knowledge they do not accept personal visits.  The records are not kept in Glasgow, they are requested from a safe place as required.  That is one reason why the request can take so long to fulfill. 

The only additional document they require is a photocopy of the death certificate of your father, and of course "The form for Next of Kin has three parts to complete, including a declaration that must be signed. "

Don't know how you get over the cheque thing, unless you have a cousin in the UK willing to write one for you 

Good luck !

Wendi 

PS don't forget what Ken said about the full record 

[Robert Fletcher]

Hi Wendi
Thanks for that. I will just have to get it done that way. It will cost a total of about $AUD80 it's just I hate givind the bank so much. You have all been very helpfull.
Bob...
PS: How long do they usually take?

[Wendi]

PS: How long do they usually take?

LizzieW has just reported that she has just received her fathers record after a 6 month wait.  I gather that length of time is about average.

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=442820.new#new

Wendi 

[Robert Fletcher]

LizzieW has just reported that she has just received her fathers record after a 6 month wait.  I gather that length of time is about average.

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=442820.new#new

Wendi 

Wendi that was great. 6 months well I won't be sending off yet as there was nothing remarkable. He was in catering. I never heard him saying anything about gunfire, heroics etc. I have some photos that have been identified. I will still send off for it but I will wait a couple of months till I get to the UK.
Lizzie's Dad sounds much more interesting.

[Wendi]

  Every Army marches on it's stomach ~ and they will all tell you what a moral boost good food is 

Wendi