Identify my great great uncles unit

Hi all,
I’m looking for information on my great great uncle. Unfortunately I don’t have the best information at hand which is why I’m posting here. His name was Arthur P Southgate and he was born in 1914 and died in 1969. I can’t find any military records associated with him but I’ve heard family stories about him but unfortunately can’t use that path of research anymore. From what I’ve heard from family he was hailed as a family legend for his actions during the war. Apparently he took part in Operation Biting and was a paratrooper. That is all the information I have at hand.

 

Hi,

Your way forward is to apply for his service record using this link as there is very little innthe public domain about WW2 era service personnel -

Get a copy of military records of service

You will need to do some online genealogy research to get his DOB band proof of his death before applying to MOD. Some army service records are now with UK National Archives but there is no trace there of Arthur Southgate.

Member JohnG505 may be able to find his campaign Medal application form.

Good Luck

Steve

 

Had a look on Ancestry for Arthur Southgate, born 1914, and I get just two entries. This service record, but for Arthur James Southgate (no “P”), service no. 6472066, Royal Fusiliers. Lived at 171 Larks Hall Road, Chingford, Essex, born 16 February 1914.

https://www.ancestry.co.uk/search/c...472c79574e&_phsrc=Cqa2&_phstart=successSource
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C21060231

Also this medal card, 4543520 Trooper Arthur Southgate, RAC, from Bradford.



Not a very clear image, sorry.

I also did a quick search for his name on Paradata, but I didn’t get a hit. You could try contacting them, though.

A living history of The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces - Airborne Assault Museum

 

Here's a clearer image....

 

Cheers John, at least you can bloody read yours!

 

A small detachment (~25 men) from 11th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, did take part in Operation Biting as part of the beach party, so I guess a slim possibility, though looks as though Arthur James Southgate didn't do any service abroad or receive any operational medals from what I can see, so I don't think that would tally.

 

CMP show his Service Number 4543520 was first issued to the West Yorkshire Regiment and was before early 1942. This would tie in with the Medal Card having a Bradford address.

Currently using his given names (in full and abbreviated) and number he does not appear on The National Archives site (TNA). That may mean his record is still with the MoD or it is with TNA being processed for release. If you follow the web link given you can ask where it is and they will reply. See: Get a copy of military records of service

His name and number have not appeared here before.

 

Ancestry gives the details

Arthur Philip Southgate
Born 17 April 1914, West Ham.

Confirmed family details in 1921 Census

Died 18 May 1969 Watford.

He had 3 brothers.

Does not have a good fit with either medal card

I'll have a deeper look into 1939 Register later as on first glance I cannot tie in with any of the family members.

Ross

 

No clear links a family location in 1939 register - both older brothers seem to be in Romford area and involved in ARP duties.

No sign of Arthur or clear indication of younger brother and mother (ahh see from Williamson tree that mother died 1934)

Ross

 

Well done Ross, looks like “our” man doesn’t he.

 

Good point - I did have only a quick look at the record last night as I lay in bed dozing, as you do, and the only thing I really noticed was the medals awarded.

I could see just the Defence and War medals, which, as you say, now I’m wide awake, does not indicate a man who served overseas.

 

1969 Probate.
SOUTHGATE Arthur Phillip of 50 Hilfield La Aldenham Herts died 18 May 1969 Administration Ipswich 28 July. £9592.

From FreeBMD:
Deaths Apr - Jun 1969
Surname SOUTHGATE
First name(s) Arthur Philip
DoB 17 Ap 1915
District Watford [includes Aldenham]
Vol 4b
Page 828

One year out on date of birth, but that is the information that was given by the informant of the death.

 

He still does not appear on The National Archives site (TNA). That may mean his record is still with the MoD or it is with TNA being processed for release. If you follow the web link given you can ask where it is and they will reply. See: Get a copy of military records of service