Can't find records of service

Discussion in 'Royal Navy & Royal Marines' started by Sally-Ann, Nov 16, 2019.

  1. Sally-Ann

    Sally-Ann New Member

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    Hi
    My Grandad Robert Henry McDuff served in the Royal Navy. I am having trouble though finding record of this.
    My Grandmother Lydia Dorothy was evacuated in 1939 to her parents and I cannot find Robert on a 1939 census.
    I have been unable to find his service number and unfortunately none of the family have any records. We know he was a petty officer in the sick bay, and my Aunt can tell me he went to Hong Kong and he was part of the Royal British Legion.

    Robert was born 22 oct 1907, passed away 9 feb 1972. Born in London.

    If anyone can help me I would be so grateful.
    Sally-Ann
     
  2. Chimp

    Chimp Moderator & Cheeky Human IMP Staff Member

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    If Robert was already in the Royal navy in 1939 then he wont appear on the 39 register. Those in the armed forces were not put on the register.
     
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  3. Sally-Ann

    Sally-Ann New Member

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    How do I find him then? :(
     
  4. Chimp

    Chimp Moderator & Cheeky Human IMP Staff Member

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    As these records are part of WW11 then his records would probably still be with the M.O.D.
     
  5. Sally-Ann

    Sally-Ann New Member

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    Ok Thank you :)
     
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  6. Chimp

    Chimp Moderator & Cheeky Human IMP Staff Member

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    You can apply to the M.O.D. for his records but it will cost you (about £30 I think) they try and find him in their records, but be warned, if they don't find him you don't get your money back.
     
  7. Sally-Ann

    Sally-Ann New Member

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    That's why I was trying to find some things out before I paid out. Going to have to pay out. Fingers crossed they find something
     
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  8. Chimp

    Chimp Moderator & Cheeky Human IMP Staff Member

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    Also you could have to wait weeks for them to be sent, if they find anything.
     
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  9. Sally-Ann

    Sally-Ann New Member

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    It just gets better :( Thank you though
     
  10. Chimp

    Chimp Moderator & Cheeky Human IMP Staff Member

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    I see there is a tree on Ancestry that has a picture of him with a Red Cross badge on his arm.
     
  11. Sally-Ann

    Sally-Ann New Member

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    Yeah that's him, he was in the St Johns Ambulance before he went into the Royal navy, we think that's how he got into Sick Bay
     
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  12. Lusmum

    Lusmum Well-Known Member

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    Most of the war records got burnt in the London bombing so his may not have survived...
     
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