Help translating Grandad's Records

[JessicaSarah14]

Hi!

I have been researching my late grandad Jesse Cross. I am just wondering if anyone can explain/translate all the numbers and information on the attestation document I have attached please?

There is also a document attached  which states he was in The Royal Regiment Of Artillery in 1941, I'm unsure if this is the same as what is on the attestation papers as i'm clueless when it comes to this (I'm only 23 haha)

This is all I can find on him really, I'd also be interested to know more if anyone can help with what countries he went to, any photos, what medals he may have received such as the Burma star etc and also the colour of his uniform.

I'm unsure if I am able to apply for his medals, his next of kin was his wife who died so not sure how this works? His original medals were stolen unfortunately.

ANY help whatsoever would be appreciated as I'd really like to learn more about my grandad as he passed when I was 5.

Thank you

[nanny jan]

Hi!

Welcome to Rootschat.   

You will need to apply for a copy of his service record:

 https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records

That will give you the details you are looking for.


I'm sure one of our military experts will be along soon to help out.

[JessicaSarah14]

Thank you for getting back to me, I do have some of his service records which I’ve now attached but not sure if there’s parts missing so may look into trying to get a new service book too.

Struggling to read/understand parts of his service book so hoping someone can help with that too! 

[MaxD]

You should follow Nanny Jan's advice.  That is indeed his attestation record to the Royal Artillery in the first half of 1941.  The bit that has almost been rubbed out is the branch he went to first - HAA - Heavy Anti Aircraft - there were 198 HAA regiments!)

On 18 Feb 1945 he transferred to the Highland Light Infantry and did not leave the service until 23 Jan 1953.  That suggests he had signed up for a 22 year regular engagement in 1941.

Uniform - standard WW2 khaki battledress with a kilt in the HLI.

MaxD

[JessicaSarah14]

Thank you so much, I will definitely look into applying for another service record.

I have managed to find his service book, but unsure if parts are missing or whether that’s all I actually need? Struggling to read some parts of it

Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it

[MaxD]

First one records attendance on a Light Machine Gun and telephony course and driver training with 227 Driver Training  Regiment all in 1941.  In 1944 he is graded an experienced Driver Maintenance

It also records his medal entitlement, the 1939-1945 Star and the Italy Star

The next records some leave periods (the word Nature is a heading and means types ie privilege/compassionate/  I think FW related to travel warrants.
Next medical exams and vaccinations AI category of fitness!
The last is his discharge papers while “on the books” of an infantry holding battalion near home  (parked there awaiting demob!)

You do need his record to show which unit(s)  he was in and when.  He was obviously in Italy but that is the only clue to where he served.

MaxD