Herbert Windale - Useful info for someone maybe

Hi all

My Great-Great Grandfather was part of DLI, I dont know his full story.. I think he was awareded the Burma Star? I would need to check his records.

 

You have attached details of his WW1 service?

What makes you think he served in Burma in WW2?

The biography makes no mention of WW2 service….he would be turned 60.

 

Family member had mentioned it about the Burma star I did think it was odd, like.

 

I do only have snippets of info unfortunately, I need to double check but will likely need to request his Records from MOD.

 

I couldn't find him in the membership records archive on the Burma Star Association website.

Also & not surprising due to his Silver War Badge record nothing found in the index on ancestry of soldiers born before 1901 who were discharged 1920 - 1971 or later whose records were at the MoD in 2017.

WW1 service records that survived the Blitz in WW2 (only 30-40 %) are with the National Archives rather than the MoD & are indexed on either ancestry or findmypast. Occasionaly some post WW1 service is included, my GG uncles ranged from 1893-1927.

If you have not already done so you could try this site for advice on WW1 soldiers.
Great War Forum

 

You may find a trace him in the South Africa War Medal registers available on Ancestry/Findmypast to confirm his SA service.

I think the family story about him serving in Burma during WW2 is likely unreliable. The biography says he retired from the Post Office in 1942 when he would be turned 61. He would not be liable for conscription and at that age would not likely have been a welcome volunteer.

Perhaps the story has got mixed up in the retelling over the years and it refers to another relative?

I wouldn’t trouble with an MOD enquiry about his possible WW2 service on the basis of what you have posted on the forum.

Steve

 

Thanks Steve, you might be right correct there. I was also told that he had stolen his brothers identity to go to war but have yet to confirm that. But again, could be a certain family member thinking its funny to lead me down the garden path so to speak. Ill request Herberts MOD records anyway just so Ive got a record, his medals apparently where mislaid by family members after he passed away - such a shame when that happens.

 

Very useful, Thank you.

 

Sorry I don`t think Herbert Windale served in Burma ,he wasn`t in the army he was with the post office during WW2 he was awarded an Imperial Service Medal in 1942. Newspaper article below for info.
Kyle

 

I couldn’t find him in WO 100-201. Queen's South Africa Medal Rolls, Durham Light Infantry

But here’s the London Gazette mention of the Imperial Service Medal:

 

This is the only H Windale I could find on the 2nd Boer War Medal Rolls.

Queen's South Africa Medal
1st Battalion Durham Light Infantry
6608 L/Cpl WINDALE
awarded with clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State & Transvaal
[NB originally listed as W WINDALE, but thats been corrected on the roll]

King's South Africa Medal
1st Durham Light Infantry
6608 Lce/Cpl WINDALE H.
awarded with clasps South Africa 1901 & South Africa 1902
No other corps served with in South Africa recorded
Remarks: T.E. [time expired ?]
Roll dated 31st March 1903


Regimental number 6608 was issued by the DLI in 1898/1899 (6359 joined on 3rd May 1898, 6671 joined on 18th January 1899).
Army Service Numbers 1881-1918: Durham Light Infantry - 1st & 2nd Battalions


Travers

 

Thanks very much for all of the info, guys.