Question about WWII British Service numbers

[TheDoctor]

Hello I have a question in regard to British Service numbers.

I have a photo of someone with a service number 4976622 and the following information M/G Plt 5th Foresters, Drayton, Nr Norwich, Norfolk.

Did British Service numbers in WWII differentiate between the various arms of the defence force? I know that the 5th Foresters are the Sherwood Foresters Notts and Derby Regiment which a number of my family served in WWI. I'm confused by reference to this but also what appears to be a reference to a machine gun pilot which would indicate air force?

I would like to trace the origin of this photograph my mother had and put a surname to it, all I know is that his first name was Michael. The Notts and Derby regiment ties in with my mother's work area around Repton and surrounding area during WWII, and I know that her brother brought US airmen to visit too. I also know that mum was engaged to a bomber pilot during the war and he was unfortunately killed in a bombing raid over from memory Berlin.

Can anyone assist with either information on army and airforce service numbers or the information on where the 5th Foresters were stationed during WWII? I was hoping to try and confirm what force he was in.

[Jomot1]

The number blocks allocated to the Sherwood Foresters prior to WW2 were 4960001 - 5038000, so the number you have quoted ties in with him having enlisted with them. However, unlike WW1 a man retained his number even if he transferred into a different regiment, although I don't know the situation if he transferred to a different branch, ie army to RAF.

[keith9351]

Not sure about Machine Gun Pilot, if he was in the Air Force it would be Air Gunner. Just a thought, is it a photo near a Machine Gun Pit?
Keith

[simmo1]

Hi

Can you post the photo, back and front, it may help is determine the wording and situation.

regards

Robert