How can I find out about my grandads service record?

Question

I know he served in the Signals Corp during WWII and was captured in Burma by the Japanese. He was then sent to the infamous Changi, as well as working on the infamous Burma railway. How do I found out about his service history? The medals he was awarded? Is it possible to get replacement medals?

My grandad was in the British Army.

Answer 1

Silver Dragon, you need to supply more info.

From the sounds of it he was either an aussie or a brit.

Ok when/if he came home your grandfather should have got some sort of service records. Is there any documentation that one of your grandparents (if still alive would have?)

My grandfather was signals with the british during wwii and i know that when he emigrated from the UK to Aus he bough his service records and information with him. My grandmother still has them. My father has my grandfather's medals.

as for replacement medals i dont know. but i do know that there are people out there that know and can help you to restore them if you need help.

If he was an aussie there would def be records with the australian war memorial as to what medals he was awarded, and his further details.

If hes a brit im sorry but i wouldnt have a clue.

Answer 2

You need to go to the PRO

most of the WW1 service medals are on line free, but they are still working on the WW2 collection

The Army Museum at Chelsea is a good source

they will direct you to the archive of your grandfathers regiment

the Burma tar association will also have records of all who served in Asia as well.

Answer 3

This is something you should be proud of, I am speaking of your grandfather and your actions. He might have registered it (DD214) with your local clerk if not, go to http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/get-service-records.html then you can request it on line at their web page; fax it or write them. If after you receive your DD214 you need awards and medals download a Form SF 180 Requests Pertaining to Military Records, http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/replacement-medals.html complete it and send to one of the following:

Bureau of Naval Personnel (Navy, Coast guard and Marines)
Liaison Office Room 5409
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100

National Personnel Records Center (Air Force)
Air Force Reference Branch (NRPMF)
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100

National Personnel Records Center (Army)
Medals Section (NRPMA-M)
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100

Best of luck. Thank-you and God Bless you and the Southern People.

Answer 4

Try the M.O.D. website,give his name, rank and service number,if known.You should be able to obtain,for a fee his service record and medal entitlement.You can get replacement medals,I did this for my father.

Answer 5

I don't know but there is a good chance he was a democrat....