Tracing a Member
 

How do I go about tracing the footsteps (as best as possible) of my father. I have so little to go on as he never even wanted his medals. My mother requested them a number of years after they were married but they were lost in a flood (my brother had them all) I am going to try and see if they will reissue me a set but I think it might be a futile attempt

I do know that he started out in 1939 with the Van Doos (Royal 22nd) then the Victoria Rifles, West Nova Scotia, 9th Field Ambulance (Medical) Corp. and he came home with the Black Watch

I do know that he was in England, Italy (with the 9th Field Ambulance), Germany France and Belgium (maybe more but those I do know of)

What is the best way of going about this?

Judy

Re: Tracing a member
 

Judy;

Do you have his Service Number or any documents from his service time, ie: discharge papers, paybook....?

Cheers :)

National Archives
 

Judy,

Your father's service records are available to you with proof of relationship and death. See this page for all the details:

http://www.archives.ca/02/020203/02020302_e.html

It's a time-consuming process, but well worthwhile. We can help you decrypt the acronyms and so on when you get them. These records will trace his service from the day he joined to the day he was demobbed.

I hope you go forward with this; these records are an integral part of your family's heritage, from a time most don't understand or prefer to ignore.

That's why we're here.... :)

Thanks guys ! Yes, his service number was D-16321 but I don't have any information other than that.

I have printed off an application and will get going on it for sure. I just have to get a death certificate because he died less than 20 years ago (1986)

Let us know how you make out.

Cheers :)

Death Certificate
 

My understanding is that the Nat'l Archives will also accept, in lieu of a death certificate, a newspaper notice or a 'souvenir card' which are often printed for the funeral.

Military #D16321
 

Is there anywhere on the internet that you can search for information about personnel by their #?