My wife is trying to find details of her late fathers war record. Unfortunately, the most useful thing to know - his service number - we do not know :(
Anyone have any suggestions on how we can track down some information and where to start looking?
i looked on the national archives site.... on the home page click on "site search" then type in his name. I only new my grandads name but i found out loads on there, including his number.
Has she got his marriage certificate? My grandads service number (and rank etc) were listed on his marriage certificate, along with his 'civilian' occupation.
Or the birth certificate of any children born whilst he was in service.
Try contacting the War Museum as well - they were very helpful when I wanted to find my Dad's war records. You can go & search in person (you have to prove you are related to that person). Also, even if you haven't got your father-in-law's service number, you could try contacing his regiment (if they're not defunct now). For example, the Paras have their own museum, as do a lot of the old regiments and at least that would be a starting point - they could advise you where to go next.