Find Ancestors

Hi. ive recently been lucky enough to find my grt grt grandad listed on the cwgc site..i know he died in flanders in july 1915 and have made the trip to the tres abres cemetry ,steenwerck to photograph his gravestone. As so little is written i would like to know his service history/enlistment/wounds etc..i am aware i need the permission of grandma as she is the oldest relative along this line. i was hoping someone could direct me to the online site to download the papers i need to write off for his service history please many thanks cherie.x

Hi Cherie, I hope this helps. Soldiers 1914-1920 These records were transferred to the National Archives in November 1996 but initial enquiries should still go to Ministry of Defence, CS(RM)2, Bourne Avenue, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 1RF. A fee is charged and this service is now available to anybody. Because of bombing in 1940 only about 25% to 30% of soldiers records from this period have survived. 4. Officers and Soldiers pre 1914 The National Archives, National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU. Telephone: 020-8876 3444. Fax: 020-8878 8905. Website: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ Regards Vera

Thanks Vera.x

His papers, if they survive, and there is a strong possiblility that they might not, will be at the National Archives. You don't need anyones permission to view them but they won't be available online. You would need to go there yourself, or get someone to go there for you.

is there another way of finding out how he actually died or if he won any medals at all?? or will it be down to praying his records may have survived. would his actual battalion not hold info on him at all??

His regiment may hold some information on him. Also the local paper where he was living may have reported his death and given some details. You can also download his medal card, which will show his entitlement to medals, from the documentsonline site. It costs £3.50

thanks Ann. x will try his regiment first i think