My late Father told me that my uncle Robert Klein worked for the French Resistance. While training in England, my uncle, a signaler with the 17th Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars, who spoke excellent French, was approached by either senior Canadian or British officers to take on a series of missions by going in to occupied France. My uncle agreed on the proviso that he would receive an officer's commission. I believe 5 missions took place with the very last one involving his capture by the Germans. Fortunately he was freed by the French resistance. Regrets, no service records are available as my uncle moved to the UK in the '50's and changed his last name to Clyne and opened a pub near Brighton. Any help from the forum's resident experts is greatly appreciated. Randy
I don't have anything on Canadian Signals but without a unit within the regiment it would be pure speculation. Regrets, no service records are available as my uncle moved to the UK in the '50's and changed his last name to Clyne and opened a pub near Brighton. Why does the above stop you from obtaining his service records?
Andy, Good question. He passed away years ago. His family is in the UK. I have no clue as to their whereabouts and without his service number, impossible to get the records from veterans affairs. Any ideas? Thanks for taking a look. Randy
If your uncle has been deceased 20 years or more, the Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa, who hold his military service file, will allow you access to it. You do not need be family to see it, just have to be able to to prove he is dead 20+ years. Examples of proof of death can be anything from a photograph of his headstone to a newspaper obituary. If he was seconded to UK forces for work with the Resistance there will be some notation on the file.
Randy, It looks like you are back in business and can carry on your enquiries. It will be great if you find out the story of your Uncle and sharing it with the forum. Best of luck. Tom
Gents, thanks for the imput. Much appreciated. I will try for the records and report back to all. Got to be some interesting stories to be found. Cheers Randy
I don't know who Canadian Service Records work but in the UK you don't need a service number if you have a date of birth.