8th Army Question

Hi,
About 2 years ago I contacted the MOD to ask if they could assist to find my fathers service record.
They said I would need either a regiment or his service number. I knew neither.

I have read recently in a Family History magazine that records can be found without know those details, so I'm some what confused.

The only details I know are that he was in the 8th Army in North African. I have a photograph of him in Cairo dated March 1941. He told me he was a despatch rider in the desert and also that he was in Sicily.
I also know his exact date of birth and his full name with an unusual middle name.

Do you think it is worh trying the MOD again or are there any alternative options I may have. Your comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Dave Hartley

 

I would try again; they have name indexes to these records now and it should not prove too difficult to find him with an unusual middle name - if he used it when he joined up, of course.

 

Dave,

I hope you do as Paul suggests and try the MOD again. The search you are carrying out is important especially to you but also to those doing WW2 research. My area of interest is Sicily. I have visited the island over the last three summers and in May 2005 travelled the route of the Eighth Army from the south coast landing area via Pachino, 3 Commando Bridge and Catania to Messina, visiting battle sites along the way. If you do learn of his involvement in Sicily I would be very interested and may also be able to help you with my research material.

Colin.

 

Paul, Colin,
Thanks for your replies and I will do what you suggested...

My father died 19 years ago and since then I've been to Italy probably 12 times, including Sicily. I remember he said he slept on the slopes of Etna. He always said he would like to return to Italy but never did.
One of the reasons I have been to Italy so many times is because I think the Italians are wonderful people. It is very sad that 60 years were were killing each other.
I know my father would have enjoyed that peace time visit.

Thanks once again

best wishes

Dave

 

Have you tried finding his medals with his name seeing as he had an unusual middle one.

 

Welcome, Dave! I salute your father's service! Best of luck in your search.