WW2 RAF Service Number query...

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CharlieOneSix
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WW2 RAF Service Number query...

#1 Post by CharlieOneSix » Fri Jul 03, 2020 4:10 pm

I know how to obtain my late father's WW2 service record with the RAF but I'm confused as to his service number which is a requirement of the application. I have no record of the number but he is listed in the London Gazette with two numbers. One is shown before his name and one after his name, the latter number is contained within brackets.

I suspect one number relates to his time before he was commissioned and the other number relates to after he was commissioned. Anyone got any idea which is which - or indeed are they both valid service numbers or is one some obscure London Gazette reference? I cannot find the answer anywhere.

If nobody knows then I shall include both with a note of explanation but I would prefer not to unnecessarily confuse things in the application.
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Re: WW2 RAF Service Number query...

#2 Post by Pontius Navigator » Fri Jul 03, 2020 6:33 pm

C16, you are correct. As the norm was a ranker was 1562345 Jones, A, Sgt whereas he became Fg Off A Jones, 4236453 I think the preceding number was his OR number.

I saw this just the other day researching John Eglen. He waz a Sgt and commissioned as a Fg Off.

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Re: WW2 RAF Service Number query...

#3 Post by G-CPTN » Fri Jul 03, 2020 6:40 pm

I would expect that the records would show that the subject had another service number.

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Re: WW2 RAF Service Number query...

#4 Post by CharlieOneSix » Fri Jul 03, 2020 7:18 pm

Thanks to both of you - good to have my thoughts confirmed.
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Re: WW2 RAF Service Number query...

#5 Post by CharlieOneSix » Thu Aug 13, 2020 3:35 pm

Another query if I may. It took a while to locate my father's death certificate but before sending off for his WW2 service records I wonder to what detail those will go. From my father's flying logbook I have details of where he was stationed and on what units from 1941 to 1945. Will I receive any more detail than that - if not then I'll keep the £30 fee in my pocket!
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Re: WW2 RAF Service Number query...

#6 Post by ian16th » Thu Aug 13, 2020 7:32 pm

CharlieOneSix wrote:
Thu Aug 13, 2020 3:35 pm
Another query if I may. It took a while to locate my father's death certificate but before sending off for his WW2 service records I wonder to what detail those will go. From my father's flying logbook I have details of where he was stationed and on what units from 1941 to 1945. Will I receive any more detail than that - if not then I'll keep the £30 fee in my pocket!
I expect you to get the dates of his promotions/qualifications and any decorations.
Cynicism improves with age

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Re: WW2 RAF Service Number query...

#7 Post by G-CPTN » Thu Aug 13, 2020 7:35 pm

CharlieOneSix wrote:
Thu Aug 13, 2020 3:35 pm
Will I receive any more detail than that?
There might be surprises.

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