Newbie-not sure what or where to post?

[WatsonW]

Hello all,

Any help or guidance much appreciated!
I have a name and service number of someone who signed up in 1971 with the RAF regiment. I would like to find more information of his service records, where he served and photographs too if possible?

Any suggestions pls?

[christanel]

Welcome to the British-Genealogy forums
If you came to us from Forces War Records reading this will explain the connection.

Service records from 1921 onwards are still held by the MoD but you can apply for them at a cost of 30 pounds. You will need a copy of the person's death certificate, and know their birth date.
This 'sticky' explains and gives the link where you can download the application forms. read them carefully so you know just what information you are entitled to.
Christina

[Pam Downes]

Hello and welcome to British-Genealogy.

Service records for personnel who served after 1921 are still held by the Ministry of Defence, and the only public reference you are likely to find for your airman would be a mention in the London Gazette if he was awarded a bravery medal. This obviously excludes a local newspaper article with a heading such as 'local airman marries' or 'local man posted to Cyprus'.

If the person is deceased then you can send for a copy of his service records, but if he's been dead for less than twenty-five years you will receive only basic information unless you have the permission of the next of kin. (They have to sign the form authorising you to receive those records.) You also have to send a copy of the death certificate and thirty quid.
https://www.british-genealogy.com/fo...757#post585757

If the person is still (potentially) alive you could try Forces Reunited. BG does not allow living people to be named.

Pam
(Christina types faster than I do.)

[WatsonW]

Hi, they’re not dead. Is there a way that wouldn’t cost?

[WatsonW]

Hi, he was in the RAF Regiment and no bravery medals that I’m aware off.

[Pam Downes]

Hi, they’re not dead. Is there a way that wouldn’t cost?

If they're still alive then you can't apply for their service records. End of.

For future reference, usually the only person who gets the records for free are the person themselves whilst still living. However from Lesley's sticky about applying

Their site has been updated, and now says that the spouse or civil partner of a deceased service person does not have to pay the fee. If there is no spouse or partner, a parent can order the records without paying.

Everyone else has to pay thirty quid. As well as provide a copy of the death certificate which will be another eleven pounds.

Pam

[Ladkyis]

He can apply for his own records. read the information given in the previous posts and take a look at the website they tell you about. all the details of how to apply and who can apply are on that website

[WatsonW]

Thank you everyone

[Lesley Robertson]

For such recent service (compared to what we normally handle), it might be worth checking Forces Reunited HERE. They cover serving and retired service-folk, as well as their families.

We can't, under our T&C, handle data about (potentially) living people.

Afterthought - there is also an Association for the RAF Regiment HERE.