Hi, I'm new to WW2Talk. I have read the forum on how to obtain military records but can see by the information I have to give I may have trouble. All I have are my fathers badges from the SAPPERS, that's it. I know absolutely nothing else. I can remember him taking me with him to Sappers Rust. Where else could I turn for information? Thanks so much. Anne
HI Anne Are you talking about WW2 service in the British Army? If so, full name and birth date and place should be enough, I think. His service number would help, but unless he has a common name, they should find him. regards Robert
Hi Anne and welcome to the forum. Name, date of birth and proof of death is all you need. Unless your mother is still alive you can sign the form as next of kin. See link below. www.gov.uk/guidance/ Good luck Andy
I don't know what you mean by "taking you to Sappers Rust". There is a place by that name in South Africa, but I don't believe it is related to the Sappers in the (British Army) Royal Engineers. Can you clarify what you mean, please? Are there no other family members who may have more memories, or could you possibly have other memorabilia, letters, photos, medals or anything about what he told you about why he went to Sappers Rust? If you meant Sappers REST this site may have more http://www.sappers.co.uk/reunions
Thank you for your replies. Much appreciated. My father was in the South African Sappers WW2 and as I was only around 4 or 5 when we went to Sappers Rust I was too young to know why we went. I remember lots of men standing around talking. Sappers Rust is now a B&B "dedicated to the history, culture and traditions of Military Engineering" so feel sure it was to SAPPERS meetings or reunions we were going. We have no-one alive who we can ask which is why I am here. I have his badges and the stripes seem to be a Non Commissioned Sergeants. Would anyone know anything about them? Thanks so much Anne
ah for south african service records you'll need to apply here. All South African Service Records: Any request for information on South African Military Personnel from 1910 up to the present day should be addressed to: Department of Defence Command & Management Information Systems Division Documentation Centre Private Bag X289 PRETORIA 0001 SOUTH AFRICA Tel: (27) 12 339 4611 Fax: (27) 12 339 4631 E-mail: sandfdoc@mweb.co.za info from cwgc website
Hello Anne, I don't want to muddy the waters but I came across a cloth insignia similar to the small one in your photo and it appears to be South African Artillery. The website is http://southafricanmilitaria.com/ and the photo on there is If you apply for your Father's record of service they will need a copy of your ID/Passport and your physical address.(I applied for a certificate of service for someone a couple of weeks ago and I had to give them the details) Best of luck with your research Diane
Hi Dianne, that was very helpful as I now know what it represents. Perhaps he just collected it? I will apply and see what happens. I knew where to go but looking at the info they require (in the Forums under Tips and Links for new researches on this website) and what I had, wasn't sure they would even bother. Still, worth a try. Thanks so much. Anne