Genealogy Chat

Hi, Any of the military experts out there could you help with this one please - what information would be on a regular soldiers army records? I'm trying to track down my grandfather, who I have only just found out the name of. I'm pritty sure I've found the man, who was a Coldstream Guard. He had a Court Affiliation order made against him to pay 7/6 a week for my dad, which was collected from the barracks. Would this show up on his army records to make sure I've got the right man? And would they consider me near enough next of kin to see them (grandaughter - but grandparents unmarried). Thanks, Jackie

i too would be intrested to know what info would be found in army records please debs.x

I have the forms for this and grandchild is listed as close next of kin. It does state that some of the records were destroyed during the 2nd war, but you may be lucky. Try here for more information, and phone them for an application form. http://www(.)army(.)mod(.)uk/contacts/divisions/records(.)htm If you dont have his army number it may be worth looking for a medal card for him from here http://www(.)documentsonline(.)nationalarchives(.)gov(.)uk/

Jackie, If you mean he was discharged after 1920, you need to apply to the Army Staff Section for these - there's currently a long wait and it costs £25. Officially, you need to be 'next of kin' or have a letter of permission from that person. In my case, I rang them and said I was the only known descendant of Gt Unc George who was born in 1883 so they weren't too worried! The papers came in 2 months. The info you can get varies. I was lucky. The huge wodge of paper contained his original attestation (signing up) papers and physical description/general medical comments. Outline, for pay, of his career in the army and postings. And perhaps most interestingly, details of his next of kin including addresses. If your Grandfather was called up for WW1 and left the army before 1920, his records will be on microfilm at the Public Record Office in Kew. The info will be largely the same as described above but they quite often contain correspondence as well. Records were normally only kept if your man survived his service - they were for pension purposes. Not sure if they ditched WW2 records also if the soldier didn't survive. For me, it was definitely worth getting them because, following up the leads provided, I very quickly discovered that I did indeed have a previously unknown cousin - living very near to me and we are now exchanging stories - the missing links are being provided, she's a lovely lady. It's marvellous! Wishing you every success with your search. Kind regards Jane

Jackie If your Grandad was in the Coldstream Guards these records are kept separate and I think all have survived, you can get info from:- Regimental Headquarters Coldstream Guards Wellington Barracks Birdcage Walk London, SW1E 6HQ. The phone number for Museum is 020 7414 3221. Keith

Thanks guys for all your information - looking back on the thread I posted - I did not put that he must have been a regular soldier througout the 1920's - as dad's maintainence money was collected from barracks. By his age he must have served in WW1. I think (hope) I have found the right man on the WW1 medals cards as there was only one of that name who was a Guard - he started as a private and was also listed as a sargeant on the same card - So can only assume that he liked the army life and stayed on as a regular (did they do that after WW1?) What I'm looking for on the Army records inintially is reference to his paying the maintainance from his army pay - that would confirm I have the right man. Then all the other information would be great as he would definatly be my grandfather. Soldier on (as they say) - Jackie

Jackie, I think you'd have to be quite lucky to find a reference to maintenance payments on the army records. The pay stuff that I've seen is simply a statement of when the 'salary' was increased and what to - and why. There may however be a child listed in the next of kin or family sections. The dates mean that it's definitely a case of you sending off to Glasgow for his papers. However, they will need his service number - which you should have from the Medal Rolls - and ideally a date of leaving the army. It might be a good idea to chat with them on the phone first - they were very helpful to me, so I'm sure you'd get really good help there. Good luck, Regs Jane