Tracing my great-grand-father-in-laws history
 

I have recently become aware of a little my wife's great grandfather's history and for her family would like to trace more. I know he served in the flying corps in WWI (non-commissioned I believe), but stayed in and rose to be Sqdr-Ldr in the RAF and served as a pilot in WWII.

I have a name, a 5 digit service number and a set of medals. Can anyone help or suggest where I look?

You could try these folks:

World War 2 Talk

They are friendly and informative.

Good luck!

Duncs:ok:

Hi ProM,

Have a look at these research guides produced by the National Archives:

RAF/RFC/RNAS 1914-18 Service Records:

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RAF 1938-45 Service Records:

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Good Hunting!

CT

Have a look here for WW1, or if you live close to London, pop in to The National Archives (try here for RFC airmen) There is plenty of help available at Kew and it is not as daunting as you might think.

Good luck!

Your wife ahould be able to obtain his service records as a close living relative - a wealth of information!

The RFC was a part of the British Army and did not become an independent arm of the Services until the creation of the Royal Air Force 1st April 1918.

There may be records kept elsewhere but my understanding is that RAF records are available here. It may be that NoK should apply, but contact and find out:-

All service records of the officers and men of the Royal Air Force are maintained and stored by the Ministry of Defence. Copies of records are available only to relatives. Contact:

PMA (CS)2a(2) (RAF) - (validated: as of Feb 2010)
RAF Disclosures
Room 221V
Trenchard Hall
RAF Cranwell
Sleaford, Lincolnshire
NG34 8HB
England

Phone: 01400-268161

Note: while I have not used this service myself, it is my understanding that may be a fee charged for this service.

Also try Great War Forum (Powered by Invision Power Board) for any information about his WW1 service, with as much detail as is known.

There may be at least one other Service Number, as he would have received an Officers Service Number (believe that's the 5 figure one) so ask if there are other records for before he was commissioned. He might even have some Army service before the RFC.
Good luck and look forward to seeing what can be found!!

For his WW2 service as aircrew, if you can establish a squadron number and approximate dates of service you can obtain copies of the squadron operational record sheets (F541) from the National Archive at Kew. These give details of every sortie flown, for example for a bomber squadron they would list each crew member, target attacked, bomb load carried, and captain's remarks post raid. This information is not available online and you either have to go to Kew and find it yourself (good luck!) or employ a researcher to do it for you (which is what what I would do).

Best of luck.

If his Sqn is still active they may have copies of the F540/541. I was able to read up about my uncle on 29.

You can also search the London Gazette. He will have several entries - his commission, his promotions, reliquishing commission and awards.