Finding an old soldier

[TVC]

Thank you for those it's finding the starting place that is proving difficult, as far as we know since then our father has had no contact with the military & if the other person is the same then are they likely to know anything?

Alan

Some on here may want to be helpful and give you their idea of where to start, I have no idea, but I know this is bread and butter for the RBL. Professional advice is better than asking amateur internet addicts.

Good luck with your search, certain news whether joyous or more likely sad, given the length of time, at least gives closure and satisfaction.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

British Legion or Regimental Association/ex servicemens groups

 

[shouldbeinbed]

A little doubt in my mind here. Fond memories and lots of stories from a troubled time, no contact afterwards. It's the going their separate ways bits afterwards that would make me hesitate. Perhaps they chose to leave it there....

its a good point and one @Phaeton should bear in mind but it could just be slipping back into their old lives and new starts took over and good intentions to keep in touch fell by the wayside and stayed there through 'its too long now.....

 

[Globalti]

It was easier to get the full history and service record for the ex-MOD Land Rover we bought!

 

[Lance Jack]

Try this http://www.forcesreunited.org.uk to be honest the regiment has probably disappeared by now, even now, what where famous regiments have been disbanded or amalgamated with other regiments and this is happening even now. The new regiment should have kept all the old records and a lot of old regiments have a museum. What did he do? Was he infantry, artillery, engineer, cook, etc. a lot of regiments, or corps, have associations where they will help you trace former members.
Hope you find him.

 

[Deleted member 26715]

A little doubt in my mind here. Fond memories and lots of stories from a troubled time, no contact afterwards. It's the going their separate ways bits afterwards that would make me hesitate. Perhaps they chose to leave it there....

There is that but!

You have to remember this is the end of 1947 when they were demobbed, communication wasn't as easy as these days, my father came back to West Yorkshire, his friend went to the South coast from where he came. Within 3 months my father married my mother, within 12 he was a father, we think life just got on the way. He still has to this day a photograph in his wallet of them both stood at the side of a tank in Palastine.

Alan

 

[ufkacbln]

Why not take it in two phases?

As you said originally, the other party may not even be with us still.

Do the work, then if you find him decide what to do.

A meeting may not be practicable , possible, or may not be appropriate.. negotiate once you have the details

That way there is no false hope or disappointment

 

[Lance Jack]

Military life is a lot different from civilian life. If things go well and you set up a meeting between each other expect them to start talking like they have never been apart, expect a lot of laughter.

 

[Deleted member 26715]

Just for completion of those that care, I contacted the Royal Signals the regiment they both served in, unfortunately the news was not good, my fathers friend passed in 2003.

Thank you for all your suggestions.

Alan...

 

[jefmcg]

Sorry to hear that.

My parents generation is about 10 years younger. I'm seeing there's not going to be many of them who will make it anywhere near 90. It must be wonderful to still have your dad.

 

[Deleted member 26715]

It is, but he is as much a worry as my children & grand children, he broke his femur 5 weeks ago falling off a ladder whilst fitting an outside security light, I just hope I can do something as stupid as that at his age. Last year he climbed up onto his bungalow roof to 5 times to adjust the TV aerial.

Alan..

 

[classic33]

Just for completion of those that care, I contacted the Royal Signals the regiment they both served in, unfortunately the news was not good, my fathers friend passed in 2003.

Thank you for all your suggestions.

Alan...

Sorry to hear that. At least you tried though.