Genealogy Chat

I have a rank for my real grandad in RAF in WW2. How can I find more details on him using it? Tracy

What's the rank then? Let me guess - Flight Sergeant?

Well it says AC which I am not sure what it stands for my nan has L A C before her number (both these are on their marriage certificate).

I think AC is Aircraftsman, and LAC is Leading Aircraftsman, My Dad was an LAC..

Confirming AC IS Aircraftman - equal to Private in the army - the lowest rank.

Thank you. Just noticed my nans says L A C W. Does anyone know what WAAF is. update: Obviously Womens Auxillary Air Force. Just found it on RAF site. what does that mean? Is it something like TA in army?

I think, AC2 is Aircraftsman class 2 = private in the army AC1 is Aircraftsman class 1 just above AC2 and LAC is Leading Aircraftsman, just above AC1 which is just below a corporal in the army. I think? Roy

So AC II could be AC2 if you see what I mean?

Tracy, yes that would be correct. Roy

So as I have AC2 and his number is there any where I can get more details on him?

As it is WW2 then only next of kin? can get his service records not sure were RAF records are kept but if you search for MOD then their will be a link as to the address and other contact details for the RAF records or try the national archives site http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ Roy

He is my dads natural father but not named on his birth certificate. How will that work?

Tracy, Sorry i don't no the answer to that one, Do you no who is the next of kin? or you could try another thread to ask the good people on here that have more experiance than me at this game. Roy

Tracy, I found this. The Personnel Management Agency at HQ RAF Personnel and Training Command, RAF Innsworth, holds the personal files of officers and airmen dating from the inter-war years. Personal files from the First World War are now located at the Public Record Office. PMA is not a public record repository, and can only release records of service to the RAF officer or airman concerned, or to next-of-kin. Anyone else must obtain written permission from the person about whom they are enquiring before approaching PMA. A fee of £25 is levied for each record researched at, http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/sources.html Roy

You missed my thread of a couple of days back! I wrote to RAF Innsworth and they have sent me forms to complete. You have to give a declaration that you are entitled to the service record - i.e. the next of kin. They charge £30 for a search. If you do know there is a next of kin above you in line, cant you ask them to give a letter of permission? Is your dad still alive? Did his dad pay maintenance for him? I just wondered if they had children/wives in their records as they ask for the oldest childs name etc. on the form. You could just take a chance and delcare you are the next of kin to your knowledge? I had in fact got dads discharge book so I knew all the dates and his service number etc and sent that in my first letter to them. After 3 weeks I phoned them and they said they were inundated with requests but were working through them - it seems to me if you write with all the details in the heading, they search and then send you the form as the girl I spoke to asked for dads name and said shed look through 'the list'. In the letter it says they cant guarantee finding the records but there is a reference number handwritten on the top of the declaration form I have now returned and I am hoping this means they have found dads and are just waiting for the dosh to arrive.