Author Topic: Can't find Grandads Army Records Robert Coleman  (Read 929 times)

Offline LenaGarner

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Can't find Grandads Army Records Robert Coleman
« on: Sunday 27 September 20 21:12 BST (UK) »
Hi All,

I have been searching for my Grandfathers army records but no matter where i search it doesn't show anything - not even a match for his name!

His name is Robert Coleman - could also be known as Robert Peter Coleman, apparently he added the Peter in himself but think this was post army!
I know he was born 3rd Nov 1919 in Knaresborough North Yorkshire and joined the army young - my mum seems to think he lied about his age to get into the army which would suggest his DOB would be different on his records.

I'm also told he received a letter from King Olav of Norway - suggesting he perhaps served there?

The only other thing i have to go on is this photograph of him.  I am fully aware that all service records post WW1 are held solely by the MOD but all i would like to know is what regiment he served in at least.
I'm also told he was a boxer in the army too and went by the name of 'Chick Coleman'

any help is much appreciated!
Garner
England
Banks
Coleman
Sharlotte
Hunter

Offline ShaunJ

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Re: Can't find Grandads Army Records Robert Coleman
« Reply #1 on: Monday 28 September 20 09:52 BST (UK) »
He was a Sergeant in the Royal Artillery.
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Offline Ruskie

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Re: Can't find Grandads Army Records Robert Coleman
« Reply #2 on: Monday 28 September 20 10:13 BST (UK) »
Have you tried applying for his service records with the details you know about him?

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/913064/NOK_request_service_details.pdf

If he fibbed about his date of birth they probably won’t be able to find that name associated with his true dob. In this case I am not sure what the next step would be. Someone might be able to advise.

You could include a note with your application telling them about the possible fib about the age etc, in the hope that they might be willing to search further for you though I am unsure if they would do so. Your fee will be refunded if they can’t find him.

You could possibly contact Imjin barracks and ask about his medal entitlement and if, when and where they were awarded/sent:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/applying-for-medals

Once again though, the date of birth being accurate is likely to be a requirement.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on.




Offline philipsearching

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Re: Can't find Grandads Army Records Robert Coleman
« Reply #3 on: Monday 28 September 20 13:17 BST (UK) »
I'm also told he received a letter from King Olav of Norway - suggesting he perhaps served there?

This was probably the same as the image below (between A4 and A3 size, heavy paper).  These were issued to troops stationed in Norway after the war.  Your grandfather may not have actually fought in Norway but (like mine) was sent there after VE Day to help with stabilising and reconstructing the country.

Philip
Please help me to help you by citing sources for information.

Census information is Crown Copyright http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk


Offline philipsearching

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Re: Can't find Grandads Army Records Robert Coleman
« Reply #4 on: Monday 28 September 20 13:22 BST (UK) »
Have you found him on the 1939 Register?  If he did not join up under age, he should be on it.
Please help me to help you by citing sources for information.

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Offline Ladyhawk

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Re: Can't find Grandads Army Records Robert Coleman
« Reply #5 on: Monday 28 September 20 14:12 BST (UK) »
He was a Sergeant in the Royal Artillery.

I don’t know if either of these records may relate to your Robert Coleman - no age given

Robert COLEMAN
Attestation year   1937
Service number   868836
Record set Royal Artillery Attestations 1883-1942
Last column heading
transfers to other Corps or cause of becoming non effective and record or re-enlistment (if any) (including date)
Written in this column is:- Z Res 17.3.49
[purple ink stamped - Extracted to NSRW

Robert COLEMAN
Attestation year   1940
Service number   1121032
Record set Royal Artillery Attestations 1883-1942
Red line through his name
and
in the last column written in red pen:- Cancelled. M.L. 13.3.41
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

Offline philipsearching

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Re: Can't find Grandads Army Records Robert Coleman
« Reply #6 on: Monday 28 September 20 14:25 BST (UK) »
He was a Sergeant in the Royal Artillery.

I don’t know if either of these records may relate to your Robert Coleman - no age given

Robert COLEMAN
Attestation year   1937
Service number   868836
Record set Royal Artillery Attestations 1883-1942
Last column heading
transfers to other Corps or cause of becoming non effective and record or re-enlistment (if any) (including date)
Written in this column is:- Z Res 17.3.49
[purple ink stamped - Extracted to NSRW

Robert COLEMAN
Attestation year   1940
Service number   1121032
Record set Royal Artillery Attestations 1883-1942
Red line through his name
and
in the last column written in red pen:- Cancelled. M.L. 13.3.41

Brilliant work!

The second entry would not fit with the photo showing medal ribbons, but the first entry (if it's him) would give a timeline of:
Born 3 Nov 1919
Attested 1937 (around 17 March?)
Served in Norway c1945-47
Transferred to the Reserves (on completion of 12 years service) 17 Mar 1949.

Philip

ADDED: I had a look on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_campaign_medals to see if I could identify his medal ribbons, but I can't see them well enough.  (need new specs - should have gone to specsavers!)
Please help me to help you by citing sources for information.

Census information is Crown Copyright http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

Offline LenaGarner

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Re: Can't find Grandads Army Records Robert Coleman
« Reply #7 on: Monday 28 September 20 22:01 BST (UK) »
Wow thank you all so much for your comments and info!
Could I ask what from the photo tells you that he was a sergeant in the Royal Artillery (find it amazing the things you can find from just one photo). 
Also, will look into those records, thank you for taking the time to look for me, certainly seems like a possibility at least!  I've asked my mum today and she seems to think he was 16 when he joined but lied and said he was 18 (suggesting his birth date would have been listed as 1921 give or take). So the timeline would fit with the 1937 date. As for asking for his records I wanted to make sure I had the right info before i even attempted it as didn't want a fruitless return.  I think it's easier at least having their regiment number which hopefully have now found thanks to you lovely people ! :) Will get back to you with anything i find,
Lena
Garner
England
Banks
Coleman
Sharlotte
Hunter

Offline LenaGarner

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Re: Can't find Grandads Army Records Robert Coleman
« Reply #8 on: Monday 28 September 20 22:04 BST (UK) »
I'm also told he received a letter from King Olav of Norway - suggesting he perhaps served there?

This was probably the same as the image below (between A4 and A3 size, heavy paper).  These were issued to troops stationed in Norway after the war.  Your grandfather may not have actually fought in Norway but (like mine) was sent there after VE Day to help with stabilising and reconstructing the country.

Philip

This is lovley to see, thank you so much for sharing!
Garner
England
Banks
Coleman
Sharlotte
Hunter