Talk

Flip

Genealogy

Tracing Grandfather's war record

7 replies

dameagatha · 22/10/2014 22:28

I'd like to find out more about my Gramps, who was a POW in Poland for most of WW2, after being captured in the Dunkirk retreat. Has anyone got any idea how to go about this or done it themselves?

Any help appreciated!

OP posts:

Report

undertheduvet · 22/10/2014 22:33

If you know what regiment he served with try and contact them. They may have an archivist or a regiment museum. Before my grandad died my dad contacted his old regiment and he went to speak to them and they recorded an interview with him for their museum.
Hope you can find some information

Report

AuntieStella · 22/10/2014 22:33

Do you know what regiment he was in?

Most of them have some sort of Association, and they can tell you where their records are kept.

Report

DuelingFanjo · 22/10/2014 22:35

forces war records there's a charge though.

Report

dameagatha · 22/10/2014 23:08

Forces War Records is great - thanks Fanjo! He was in the Norfolk Regiment, which got merged... but I should be able to find somebody to help.

Exciting! Gramps died nearly 30 years ago, but I've been meaning to find out about his war for my mum & aunt.

Thanks everyone!

OP posts:

Report

AuntieStella · 23/10/2014 10:16

Fancy a trip to Norwich?

The Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum could be an excellent starting point.

Report

goshhhhhh · 23/10/2014 10:20

You can write to someone with your proof of relationship & they will send you info about your grandfather. I will ask my sis for the exact details for you. We have done it for my dad recently. There is a delay as they have a backlog of requests. I will get back later today. ( currently whiling away time on mnet as waiting for new car battery after being marooned - supposed to be on a conference call. This is much better!)

Report

dameagatha · 23/10/2014 21:58

Thank you all so much - I probably could have got there, but it's so helpful if people can point you in the right direction.

Gramps was a POW, so I now have some idea of the camp/s. I'm really interested in how he was captured - I think he was part of the rearguard leading up to the Dunkirk evacuation, & have heard stories of people being executed & narrow escapes, but it would be good to hear the official account.

Forces War Records Customer Service also emailed me to let them know if they can help, so may pick their brains a bit too.