Army Number: 2337473 Rank: Serjeant Name: W F COLLINS, MiD Unit: Royal Corps of Signals London Gazette : 9 August 1945 https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37213/supplement/4051/data.pdf The KING has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North-West Europe:— Royal Corps of Signals. 2337473 Sergt. W. F. COLLINS.
London Gazette : 9 August 1945 https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37213/supplement/4044/data.pdf https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37213/supplement/4051/data.pdf
Name: W F Collins . Service number: 2337473 . Date of birth: 29 October 1915 . | The National Archives Reference: WO 422/17086 Name: W F Collins. Service number: 2337473. Date of birth: 29 October 1915. Date: [1939-1963] Held by: The National Archives, Kew Former reference in its original department: APV000703214 Legal status: Public Record(s) Closure status: Closed Or Retained Document, Open Description Access conditions: Closed Until 2031 Record opening date: 01 January 2031
Hi I am helping a lady research her family tree and Sergt William Frederick Collins was her father. She has his medals with attached oak leaf, which dovetails with the information above. She is keen to understand exactly what signals unit her father served with during the campaign in North West Europe. Is there any way of telling his unit just from his service number, or is there anyone out there who can point me in the right direction. Im sorry but I am far from an expert on the Royal Signals in WW2. Thanks Tommy.
Hi, It looks like his record is now with UK National Archives with a standard “closed” stamp until the anniversary of his 116th birthday. That does not mean that the vast bulk of the file will not be released on application. Your friend ought to apply for the file to be reviewed and material released to her under Freedom of Information Act. There is a button within the above link she needs to click to start the process. She will get details of all the RCS units he served with and much more but there is a financial charge. Steve
Steve - thanks for the advice much appreciated indeed. I will get her to try that route. Thanks Tommy
