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Author Topic: Help with early army records  (Read 1397 times)

Offline Yvonne Donnellon

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Help with early army records
« on: Sunday 28 June 20 13:06 BST (UK) »
Hi guys

I've had this brick wall for ages now, and I just need a little help to make some progression.

John Henry Smith was born abt 1884, location unknown. He married Margaret Morris in Tralee, County Kerry whom he met when his was stationed at the army barracks there. His wedding cert states James Smith as his father.

 He died in Manchester 19th February 1937 and the death cert states he was Staff Quarter Master Sargent in the The Royal Army Pay Corps.

We think he was a prisoner of war in Singapore but don't have any further details on this. 

If anyone can find anything which relates to when he first signed up, mother's name, home town, etc I would be truly grateful.

Thank you!

Online ShaunJ

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Re: Help with early army records
« Reply #1 on: Sunday 28 June 20 13:07 BST (UK) »
Quote
We think he was a prisoner of war in Singapore

Not possible if he died in 1937.
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Offline Yvonne Donnellon

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Re: Help with early army records
« Reply #2 on: Sunday 28 June 20 13:20 BST (UK) »
Ok, he must have served there then, this is why I need help!  :)

Online ShaunJ

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Re: Help with early army records
« Reply #3 on: Sunday 28 June 20 13:31 BST (UK) »
I don't suppose you know his army number? Do you have access to any of his medals?

Linking to the marriage record for the benefit of other researchers: https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1905/10168/5699639.pdf
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Offline Yvonne Donnellon

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Re: Help with early army records
« Reply #4 on: Sunday 28 June 20 13:38 BST (UK) »
I'm trialing back through my cousins emails now, he definitely served in Singapore, after he married as I have a photo of them over there in civvie clothing. Here is a picture of when he first signed up, rumour has it he lied about his age to get in. I don't have his reg. number sorry!

Offline Yvonne Donnellon

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Re: Help with early army records
« Reply #5 on: Sunday 28 June 20 13:41 BST (UK) »
This is John & Margaret in Singapore

Online ShaunJ

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Re: Help with early army records
« Reply #6 on: Sunday 28 June 20 13:49 BST (UK) »
If he was still serving in the army after 1920 (I assume he was), then his records will still be with the Ministry of Defence. You can apply for a copy (£30) but the trouble is that you will need either his army number or his date of birth (which would need to match the date of birth on the army record).

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Offline Yvonne Donnellon

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Re: Help with early army records
« Reply #7 on: Sunday 28 June 20 13:53 BST (UK) »
His death cert doesn't state he was ex army, retired or a army pensioner so would that suggest he was still soldiering when he died?  We have no clue what his DOB or place of birth is, this is the problem I can't get round.

Online ShaunJ

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Re: Help with early army records
« Reply #8 on: Sunday 28 June 20 13:57 BST (UK) »
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