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Requesting info on former RAF servicemen (my Uncle)

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Requesting info on former RAF servicemen (my Uncle)

Old 31st May 2018, 12:34
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Question Requesting info on former RAF servicemen (my Uncle)

Hi All,

Can some of esteemed forum members guide me in the right direction please ?

I am looking to find out more information about my Uncle Archibald Campbell. (Archie to us kids)

I have his service number 2875731 and I know he served in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Born in 1938 if that helps with enlistment.

My Uncle Archie always had a signed photo in a frame by his armchair, and as a young lad I asked him "who is that soldier?"

This was the day I learned about Bomber Harris, and my Uncles Huge Admiration for this man.

I was a little too young to remember all his stories but I do know that Archie managed to prang one of his flying machines which caused him to leave the RAF for the police force.

He then went on to successfully prang a police vehicle in a rather notable bank robbery during the 60's.

Any information , especially as to those who may have served with Archie , would be greatly appreciated.

A really kind and wonderful man who we all loved , and I'd like to know a little more about him to tell his sons (my cousins).

Archie passed on 17/07/2010 , sadly missed by all.

Thanks for your time,
Fionn
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Old 31st May 2018, 15:34
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I suggest that you Google for "MOD Form 1694", fill in as much as you can and send it off to the address at the end of the form. It might take a while for you to get a response though (about 6 weeks in my case).
The best of luck with your search.
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Old 31st May 2018, 19:54
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Not meaning to be funny, but are you sure you have the right service number?

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission says that Serjeant [sic] Archibald Campbell, 2875731, A&SH died on 17 July 1947 aged 38.

https://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/c...ll,-archibald/

Which cross references to
Roll of Honour - Northamptonshire - Northampton, Three Counties Crematorium

All of which suggests that you may have the wrong service number for your uncle?
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Old 31st May 2018, 20:42
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Hi, Fionn
You seem to have some mixed information.
Obviously you know that the A&SH are a Scottish Army Regiment, not RAF.
How have you connected the Service Number of a namesake who died in 1947 with your uncle?
Was it just chance being the same name?

What items of his connected with military service do you have access to?
Photos, medals, anecdotes or anything?

If he was born in 1938, why would he have such an admiration for Bomber Harris, as Archie would only have been 7 when the War ended.
Were elder relatives flying with Bomber Command?

Did he serve in the RAF for his National Service, and as what and where?

Please try and resolve these questions, so that we can more specifically help you
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Old 1st Jun 2018, 11:13
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Thanks Zorbin, Archimedes and Icare.

His son Nigel gave me his service number and I will of course double check this information.

I can only presume my cousin did a search for his dads name and retrieved this service number. apologies for the confusion.

Icare , why the fascination with Bomber Harris, again I'll have to ask . I do have another Uncle George who flew in bombers during the war and sadly he passed away when I was only 8 years old (1980's).

I'll check my details again and come back, Have a Great weekend everyone.
Fionn

edit: have cousins and extended family now searching for both George and Archie's service numbers. This appears to be gaining legs. will return @ 0900 Monday.

Last edited by Fionn101; 1st Jun 2018 at 11:20. Reason: update
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Old 1st Jun 2018, 11:27
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For what it is worth I think it is a damned good thing you and the extended family are doing to learn about his service and preserve his memory, good on you all.
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Old 1st Jun 2018, 11:30
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well thanks to the magic of group chat on the book of faces ,I have more info to share.

The first Archibald Campbell , is my cousins Grandfather . who served with the Argyll regiment in WW2. (passed away 1947).
any information pertaining to his time in the military would be hugely appreciated as we don't have much to go on.

I will come back with the service numbers of my two RAF Uncles.

Thanks,
Fionn
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Old 1st Jun 2018, 11:46
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Thank you Nutloose ,

I can say for certain that these two Uncle's were something special. True RAF to the core and although we kids were often too young to understand , I personally coaxed a few stories out of them.
That day I asked Archie about Bomber Harris was the same day he sat me down to watch the Malta Story , and provided the commentary throughout.

Uncle George would always tuck his hands in under his armpits and shiver , when telling stories of how bitterly cold it was up in the bombers. probably my fondest memory of him :-)

R.I.P.
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Old 1st Jun 2018, 12:59
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https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military...-elses-records

May be of assistance if you've not seen that already.
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Old 15th Jun 2018, 09:36
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IIRC there was an Archie Campbell who was the Flt Lt JENGO on No 33 Sqn.at M-st-G in the early 1960's.
Again IIRC he became an Air commodore.
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Old 15th Jun 2018, 22:23
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Good Luck.....

Originally Posted by Fionn101
Hi All,

Can some of esteemed forum members guide me in the right direction please ?

I am looking to find out more information about my Uncle Archibald Campbell. (Archie to us kids)

I have his service number 2875731 and I know he served in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Born in 1938 if that helps with enlistment.

My Uncle Archie always had a signed photo in a frame by his armchair, and as a young lad I asked him "who is that soldier?"

This was the day I learned about Bomber Harris, and my Uncles Huge Admiration for this man.

I was a little too young to remember all his stories but I do know that Archie managed to prang one of his flying machines which caused him to leave the RAF for the police force.

He then went on to successfully prang a police vehicle in a rather notable bank robbery during the 60's.

Any information , especially as to those who may have served with Archie , would be greatly appreciated.

A really kind and wonderful man who we all loved , and I'd like to know a little more about him to tell his sons (my cousins).

Archie passed on 17/07/2010 , sadly missed by all.

Thanks for your time,
Fionn
.........With your search. When I attempted some research with the RAF (Historic Branch top of my head - could be wrong), came up short as request had to come from next Blood Line relative.

Mild Family Politics stopped me then, but may be the time to have another bash.

Good Luck with your quest, but what I have said worth bearing in kind.

Regards,

TN.
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