What did grandpa do during World War II?
I am trying to help a friend learn more about his grandfather's activities during World War II:]
Bertie Charles Ladbrooke
23 November 1895 – 1960. GDMR-2LF
I have consulted a couple different research wiki pages, and I am at a loss of how to find information about this man's service during the war.
Any guidance would be appreciated. Thank you!
Comments
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Hi James,
I'm no expert in this area of research, but I've just had a quick look to see if I can find anything to help you. I notice that he would have been about forty-four at the outbreak of World War 2, and fifty by the time the war ended, which seems a little old to have been called-up or volunteer in this conflict.
I typed his information into Ancestry's military records, and the only information I could find for a Bertie Charles Ladbrooke was one who served during the 1914-18 war. At this time, he would have been between 19 and 23 years, making him a prime candidate. He served with the Royal Field Artillery as a driver in France and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
Was he actually christened as Bertie, or was it Albert or something similar that was shortened? You might try searching some of these options, but due to his age, I wouldn't be too optimistic about finding him on active service during WW2
The 1939 snapshot 'census' shows him living at 77 Hamilton Road in the urban district of Felixtowe, with his job showing as a fishmonger, whilst also serving as a Special Constable. so maybe he continued in this work during the war.
I wish I could help you more, but the best of luck with your research.
Kind regards,
Barry
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Thank you for looking for me. Trying to reproduce your results,
I used these search terms (see image):
Here are the first few search results (see image):
P.S. Is there a way to change the title of my question? I want it to read, "What did grandpa do during the war?" (meaning the Great War, what become known as World War I).
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Hi James,
Glad that you were able to take a look at what I found. I think that the only difference in search criteria was adding November to the date of birth, and the birth place as Ipswich but this wouldn't make too much difference.
I think this record gives you the best information, all other mentions of him seem to be much the same but without as much detail or suggestions.
UK, World War I Service Medal and Award Rolls, 1914-1920
Name Bertie Chas Ladbrooke
Military Year: 1914-1920
Rank: Driver
Unit: Royal Field Artillery. Territorial Force
Company: WO 329
Regiment or Corps: Royal Field Artillery
Regiment Number: 885123
Medal Awarded: British War Medal and Victory Medal
Other Records: Search for 'Bertie Chas Ladbrooke' in other WWI collections
War Diaries (France, Belgium, Germany): Search for 'Royal Artillery (Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery)' in the WWI War Diaries (France, Belgium, Germany) collection
War Diaries (Gallipoli): Search for 'Royal Artillery (Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery)' in the WWI War Diaries (Gallipoli) collection
I haven't tried any of the above links but these might give you a better understanding of where he served and what he did.
There isn't a way of changing the title of your post, so if you want to try a different one, just copy the body of your message and paste it into a new post with your chosen title.
Hope all goes well for you.
Kind regards,
Barry
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Thank you! This was perfect. The brother I helped was so pleased to discover and connect with his grandfather.
I was able to guide him through the entire process from logging in to FamilySearch for the first time, to merging a living record of his grandfather with a more complete record, and then searching to find the military record. He did all the clicking / tapping as I guided him.
Thank you for helping me to help him. The world runs on kindness.
Gratefully,
James Carroll
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