Hi I'm trying to research my grandads war records but on a quick search I am unable to find him so am reluctant to sign up and pay if they don't exist..i don't have too much information but because like most he never really spoke much about the war but apparently he was involved in operation market garden and in the 3rd battalion of an unknown unit at this time.. His name was Oliver Henry Hayle, I know that he died in 1997 and based on bm&d he was born 1921. When I did a quick free search I can see a Oliver Hale who was attached to the Northamptonshire regiment which is local to the family but the birthrate was 1917... Is it likely that the surname spelling and dob would be listed wrong? I wouldn't have thought so but if someone could take a quick look it would be greatly appreciated. I will try to get more details from the family to aid my search
David, Right of you to be concerned. All WWII service files are held by the MoD. If you're going to spend money I'd suggest you get his service file. There are plenty of people on Talk who will be able to help you with terminology etc. Request records of deceased service personnel Regards, Dave
Is this him? Name: Oliver Henry Hayle Death Age: 76 Birth Date: 20 May 1921 Registration Date: Oct 1997 Registration district: Milton Keynes Inferred County: Buckinghamshire Register Number: A19B District and Subdistrict: 3261A With his date of birth you can apply, as above Post, for his Service Records. You will also need a copy of his death certificate, which you can easily obtain if you haven't already got one. If you are his immediate next of kin or can obtain the consent of his next of kin you will be able to get his full Service Record. Costs £30 and usually well worth it. Tim
Yes that is him, thanks Tim my nan is the immediate next of kin so I need her consent I was wondering first if he can be seen on any other search registers linked to the army because I'm guessing that you can apply through the gov website and potentially get nothing? I was just surprised that I couldn't see him on any war record searches and it was then trying to sign me up and take money which is pointless if he is not there
Dave as advised only apply via the government site do not sign up and pay for service records anywhere else read through it its simple to apply and yes its free if your Nan applies Get a copy of military service records regards Clive
Really the only way forward is to obtain his Service Records using the MOD website. The other websites are commercial, and whilst useful in many circumstances only contain information which they have transcribed from other records.They are not official MOD or Army sites. Be patient the MOD takes about 6 weeks to respond (at one time it was months!). Once you have his records post them on this site and Forum members will help you interpret them. Once you have the details of the units he served with and the dates he was serving with them you will be amazed at the amount of knowledge that some members have (not me) and the effort they go to in helping you to build a picture of your grandad's service in the Army. Tim
Yes I do need to go to my nans to get it though and apparently nailed to the fireplace is a cap badge so maybe it's his actual one. Thanks for your help and taking time to reply to me
David as you know if your not sure just ask.There is a wealth of expertise on this forum and they will help you as much as they can. dont forget ask your Nan questions about that era and make notes every little helps to build the picture. regards Clive
