Genealogy Chat

Hi Kim Thanks for your imput. I'll try out your link too. Sian

Hi Elizabeth That sounds promising! I phoned them myself this morning and they said they would send me the information pack. I also found this link http://www.prose.<ndtilda.> <co.uk>/Next_of_kin.htm which i think confirms, that any children can apply. I'll keep you posted! Sian

Sian, I've just got a letter confirming my application for records and thanking me for my cheque so I think they have accepted me as next of kin. Elisabeth

sian, I have been advised to go to www. veteransagency. mod. uk / servicerecs / servcecs. htm leave out the the gaps, but that is where I am going in future. Kim Sandhurst

Sian, Don't expect too much! I know I am only looking for Home Guard type stuff but the lady did warn me that in some cases there will be little information to pass on. Probably only dates, possibly places served etc. I think if any specific medals were awarded, rather than campaign medals there may be more information. Elisabeth

Hi Margaret Thanks for your reply. It does make me further convinced that I will be able to get the records I want, even though it seems to take ages! I am intrigued however, to what sort of documentation they would actually send. I can't seem to find anywhere that lists the types of record available. Sian

Years ago we applied for the military records for my grandfather in law from Hayes in Middlesex. We had to send my husbands birth cert. and his dads birth cert. to prove the relationship. We didn't come across any problems, this was for records from WW1 though, I have never applied for any from WW2 Margaret

Sian, We will have to have a race and see who gets to the finish post first, I am only l week ahead of you! I suppose it will depend on how easily they find the records. Elisabeth

Thanks Elizabeth I will give them a ring tomorrow and let you know how I get on. I have the service number and regiment and can get a photocopy of the death cert from my sister. Regards Sian

Sian, I have sent my cheque but I don't think it has gone through the bank yet. It does say to send a photocopy, not the original.(Death certificate) You don't need to send it if the soldier was born before 1902. My Dad was born in 1896 but I still sent it, to be sure they knew who I was talking about. I also had his service number as I have lots of documents from his WW1 service!! If you need any more information. Email me and I will help. Elisabeth

ps would that be the actual death cert or a photocopy? Sian

Hi again Elizabeth I'll give them a ring and get the form. Have you paid your £25?, meaning if they have accepted your cheque, they must have accepted you as next of kin? It's mad that it takes so long!! Sian

Sian, I had to prove that Dad had died, i.e. death certificate and just signed to say who I was. I considered sending copies of my birth and marriage certificates but didn't in the end. Elisabeth

Sian I rang the Glasgow records office (for Army Records) and they sent me a form. They need as much information as possible, like service number, regiment etc. Then there was another form which had to be signed by the next of kin. I considered myself to be equal with my brother so I signed. It is going to take up to 6 months I think. When I have got the records I can apply for the medal/s Dad didn't bother to claim for WW2. I can't do that until I have the confirmation from Glasgow though. Government departments grind exceedingly slowly!! Elisabeth

Thanks Elizabeth That's most helpful.That means that they will give me the records as my situation is the same as yours. How did you 'prove'kinship? ie what do they need? Also what sort of records did they send you? Sian

Sian, I have just applied for my father's WW2 records, which are costing me £25 from Glasgow. My father died some years ago, my mother before him and I have an elder brother but they seem happy to disclose the information to me. The form had spaces for various people going down from spouse and the next of kin had to sign if they were not the person applying. But I have claimed equal rights with my brother and signed. Hope that makes sense. Elisabeth

Susan Sounds about right! and it's not as if i'm after anything top secret. Sian

SIAN, This is the M O D you are dealing with they have thought for so long that they were called G O D They really think they are and just do what they like so any thing is worth a try

Hi again both It sound like it could be complicated but I will give it a go and see what they say. Cheers Sian

MY Guess is your mums d/ cert and your b/ cert should be enough if it is just record info you are after.I am pretty sure your mum's permission or death has to be proved first. Sue C.