Find Ancestors

Hi, I am trying to find the date my Grandfather enlisted. I have his regiment and roll number and I know when and where he died in action but, how do I find out when he enlisted, any help would be appreciated.

Regards

Mary

I'm not sure whether or not you will find that information online.

You could order his army records (if they still exist) from this address:-

Army Personnel Centre
Historical Disclosures
Mail Point 400
Kentigern House
65 Brown Street
GLASGOW
G2 8EX

It costs around £30 and they take quite a long time to arrive.

Kath. x

Hi Kath,

Many thanks for the info. any idea who I make the cheque out to?

Regards

Mary x

Have you tried the WW1 archives on ancestry?

I can do a look up if you like, I need his full name and date and place of birth.

Have you looked at the WW1 records - there are some WW1 Pensions records online on Ancestry?

Jim

Hi Diane and Jim, thanks for replying. Diane his name was Private Ralph Hartley.....number 11585 of the 14th Royal Warwickshire Regiment. He died in action age 25 on October 25th 1917 and is buried at Tyne Cot Memorial Cemetery in Belgium. He was born 17th May 1893 in Manchester. His fathers name was John and his mothers Mary. I would be so grateful if you wouldn't mind looking it up for me. Thank you for your very kind offer.

Regards

Mary x

His records won't be on Ancestry - the only ones they have on there so far are for those discharged to pension. Neither will they be at Glasgow. If they survive, they will be at Kew.

Thanks Ann, didn't think it would be so difficult.

Regards

mary x

Mary

Not so difficult - you could go to Kew or get someone to go for you, or wait until they are on Ancestry, which shouldn't be too long!

Thanks Ann, any idea how long before they are on ancestry? Can I write to Kew or is it callers only?
Many thanks for the advice.

Regards

Mary x

Kew won't do the research for you - you have to get someone to go for you or go yourself. Not sure how long it will be before they are on Ancestry, but at a guess, 6 months or so, possibly less.

Hi Ann,

Thanks for the info. I will go myself to Kew , I would like to say I am very grateful to you and everyone who has helped me.


Regards

Mary x

There is a medal card this doesn't give info you want though.
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk (kew)
If you have never been to Kew before look at this site as it gives opening times and you can
Pre-register for a reader ticket online

Thank you Janice, really usefull info.

Many thanks


Mary x

You can order up film from the Church of the Latter Day Saints for WW1 Service Records. I have never done it, but I know People who have.

I heard that the WW1 Records weren't at Kew at the moment because of building works being carried out there. I maybe wrong but it would be best to check.

Also not all of the WW1 Records survived due to them being burnt in WW11 so you will not necessarily find them at all. There are several of mine missing.

Regards
Jill

Just to say that even though some of the areas at National Archives are in a bit of a state, due to the work being done, WW1 records are still available at the moment.

Thank you Ladies,

My lunch hour, so sorry for the delay in answering. I appreciate all your help. Jim I will send you a pm.

Many thanks to everyone

Regards

Mary x

Margaret

Doyou know his regiment? That will narrow things down a bit. It may be mentioned on a marriage cert if he married during the war, or on any childrens birth certs, if any were born during the war.

If he might have recieved a pension, his records might be on Ancestry. You can quickly eliminate some on the search results, if their birthplace and year are given. It's then a question of looking at all the rest!

For records still at Kew, it's perfectly possible to find someone amongst lots with the same name. You do have to look at each one, though, so it could be a long job! Birthplace, birth year, address and next of kin are nearly always given, so if his records survive, and bear in mind that lots didn't, you'll find him!

Margaret if you post details i can look on Ancestry site for ww1 records

Margaret

What was his name??!!