Army number

[trollfeet]

Hi,can anyone please tell me how I find out what Regiment someone was in?
My cousins dad was a POW.I believe he was a Gunner, no. 949444 and his date of capture was 15/02/1942. Thanks

[tink.tech]

http://www.forces-war-records.co.uk
They have a free pow search if ya have no luck post a name someone may be able to help you.

Helen

[km1971]

Gunner was the lowest rank in the Royal Artillery.

Singapore surrendered on that date.

Ken

[trollfeet]

His name was Leonard Marson and I found a record on cofepow site, but it only gave his name, service number and that he was in the Army and he was captured on the 15/02/1942. I am guessing that he was in Singapore because of the date of capture. He worked on the Burma railway.

[GrahamSimons]

You may find this link useful: looks like most records are not yet digitised:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/research-guides/prisoners-war-1939-1953.htm

[km1971]

As you have his army number your cousin can apply to the MOD for his service record. It costs £30 and takes 6-9 months, and they have to provide a copy of his death certificate. It is free if his spouse applies.

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

Ken

[trollfeet]

Thanks for all your replys. I have found out that between 1920 and 1942 that Army numbers were allotted to Regiments,Corps etc in blocks. Leonards army number comes under the block for the Royal Artillery-Field Branch,Coast Defense and Anti Aircraft Branch.

[kostote]

Hi All,
I've been trying to get the service number of my Dad - he died a couple of years ago - I know he was a Commando with (I think) 46 and served in Yugoslavia...I've tried the suggestions above but haven't got anywhere yet - any ideas anyone?

Thanks

[trollfeet]

You could try writing to SSAFFA, my dad found his dads service number through them a few years back.