Tracing veterans.

[WorcsWuss]

We're demolishing an old shop in Ludlow at the moment and our guys found a letter under the floorboards.

It's in lovely condition and is from a Pte Evans who was a KOYLI serving in Malaya. Best guess at a date is around 1945/6, based on his opinion of The Rakes Progress which he went to see at the pictures in Penang.

I brought it home to show my 6 year old son and thought we would make it a little history project and try to trace the original writer and recipient, if they're still alive, and return it to them.

How would I go about starting a trace? I can just about make out his serial from the back of the envelope, and we know his rank and regiment, so presumably it shouldn't be impossible?

I know we have quite a few ex-mil members amongst us and I was hoping one would be able to point us in the right direction.

Thanks in advance!

[Stephen Blair]

That's a nice thought, best of luck.

 

I would try google mate, it has all the answers!

[WorcsWuss]

Cheers Stevie. Done some googling but it's a bit of a minefield, seems a bit recent for many of the online record searches. I am half expecting records from the latter half of the 20th century to still be held by the MOD, but I've no idea where to start!

Searching the names and addresses I have hasn't thrown up anything in the first few pages.

We're working quite closely with the LA on it, they're into the archaeology from the cellar downwards, so I my be able to find the recipient through their records.

Hopefully we're not stirring up sadness, it's always a risk.... With a bit of luck pte Evans was demobbed, started a family with his sweetheart and they're still together now!

[daveindales]

Try looking up KOYLI museum in Doncaster. They should be able to redirect you to their research branch.

If you have his army serial number, name and regiment. His service record will only be available to next of kin.

[daveindales]

2nd battalion KOYLI was in Malaya in 1947. If that helps

[penfold]

try contacting the Royal British Legion, they have a magazine which has a lost comrades section in it.

[Stephen Blair]

Try Facebook, it has made the world a small place

[Chippy]

This is a good place to start

 

Looking for records of a British Army soldier after 1913 | The National Archives

 

Good luck

[WorcsWuss]

Thanks chaps,will keep you posted!

[arbogrunt]

great project...if you have his Army number it would help a lot. good luck!