Genealogy Chat

I have noticed several postings that if the WW1 records for our ancestors are not on the Ancestry service records, they will probably have been lost in the WW11 bombings. I suggest that may not always be the reason.

If our fathers/grandfathers re-enlisted for service in 1939, in whatever capacity, the WW1 records might be included with the further service.

In my case, my father enlisted at just 18 in August 1914, at the outbreak of hostilities, and served until 1919 when he returned from Mesopotamia. In 1939, when he was 43, the call to arms came again. He signed up for the LDV, which became the Home Guard, before hostilities were declared. He did serve full-time in UK for a while, being given leave from his manual job.

Though my father’s medal card appears in the listing, he does not show up on the service records. When I applied for his WW11 records from Glasgow a few years ago now, I was delighted to receive the whole of WW1 and WW11 file.

I realise this will not have been the same for all records, but is just a suggestion of possible location of some of the files.

Happy searching.
Elisabeth

Thank You Elisabeth, very interesting :-)

You are very lucky . i bet there's not that many who served in both WW's. OH grandad was in WW1 but was too old for service in WW2 but he did do his bit as a 60plus veteran and was in the rescue service. in S E London. Not bad for an old guy born in Southern Ireland .

My Pop wanted to join up in WW2 but he worked since he was 14!! at the Woolwich Arsenal. On my birth cert of 1937 he was described as a shell turner
. As soon as his occupation was known he was rejected as needed as home as on essential War duties. He did want to join up as his brothers and brothers in Iaws had and he felt he should but he wasnt wanted!.

Personally i am glad!! OK the family were lucky that non were lost in the War but who knows!!

I have every admiration for the lads that did do their bit and loads of sympathy for all the families that lost loved ones

Maybe I am being a bit selfish we still had my dad when so many lost theirs.