Track Down Grandfathers Military Service? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Hanni · 05-17-2010, 09:24 PM

After watching The Pacific over the past weeks I was reminded of something I've wanted to do for quite some time, track down my Grandfathers military service. Even if it is just the unit he served in as I could find the battles etc fairly easily from that.

I know he was in Europe during WWII but that's about it as he didn't talk much about it (for obvious reasons). Has anyone ever tried to do this? Where should I start? The Legion? Contact the Forces?

Thanks.

CaptainCrunch · 05-17-2010, 09:38 PM

Probably a good place to start

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/g...909.007-e.html

If you can find his unit you can look up the unit war diaries.

Rathji · 05-17-2010, 10:10 PM

I have wanted to do this for my father for a long time. Problem is he was a Canadian that went to the US (as a minor I suspect) to fight in Vietnam. The war messed him up so badly that he never wanted to talk about it, unless he was really drunk, so I don't know what unit he fought with or anything specific about it.

I would love to know what happened there.

CaptainCrunch · 05-17-2010, 10:12 PM

There are veteran groups in the states that can help you find the records of your dad. I would also suggest contacting Veteran's affairs to see if they can help you find his enlistment records.

Rathji · 05-17-2010, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

There are veteran groups in the states that can help you find the records of your dad. I would also suggest contacting Veteran's affairs to see if they can help you find his enlistment records.

Problem is, because I am not direct blood relation (he was my stepfather) they won't mail me any documents. My mother isn't interested in knowing and my little brother, who is blood related, doesn't really want to put the effort into it.

One day I will go on a little vacation and dig up everything I need

JBR · 05-18-2010, 09:25 AM

I was successful finding all service related documents for my Dad. It took several (4-5) months to arrive but the detail was great.

I don't remember where I wrote to get them but will check my things when I get home and re-post.

SeeBass · 05-18-2010, 09:30 AM

I was able to find info on my Great grandfather when he fought in the Boar War

could see his medical records too...apparently he got VD over there.

burn_baby_burn · 05-18-2010, 09:34 AM

If you have a relative that was killed in WWI or WWII, probably the other conflicts as well, you can head here to find out where they are buried overseas.

http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/s...ons/virtualmem

Day Tripper · 05-18-2010, 11:07 AM

You guys are lucky to have access to such information. My great grandpa supposedly fought for the Red Army in WWII and died, and I don't suspect finding information about Russian soldiers from that time would be even possible...

CaptainCrunch · 05-18-2010, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Day Tripper

You guys are lucky to have access to such information. My great grandpa supposedly fought for the Red Army in WWII and died, and I don't suspect finding information about Russian soldiers from that time would be even possible...

Very very doubtful, since they didn't really conscript as much as they press ganged.

Stranger · 05-18-2010, 08:17 PM

I've briefly tried to look for my Grandpa's records. As far as I know he served in the Navy or Coast Gaurd around Jamaica patroling for U Boats. Not really a well documented part of the war, but I'd like to get any info I could. I'll have to check that government site.

SeeBass · 05-18-2010, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Day Tripper

You guys are lucky to have access to such information. My great grandpa supposedly fought for the Red Army in WWII and died, and I don't suspect finding information about Russian soldiers from that time would be even possible...

Now that was where the real fighting was.

I would thank him if I could have ever met him

Mean Mr. Mustard · 05-18-2010, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeeBass

Now that was where the real fighting was.

I would thank him if I could have ever met him

Not to be a dick - but there was real fighting in Western Europe as well. The Soviets did suffer a great deal but that was in large part due to the purges and poor military leadership in the early years of the war. I think many are guilty of dismissing the Russian contribution to the war effort out of ignorance whereas you seem to be intentionally ignoring the Western fronts contributions.

sa226 · 05-18-2010, 10:34 PM

The details are foggy but a guy I worked with found some history on his fathers military service by going to the national archives in Ottawa and signing in as a researcher.

SeeBass · 05-19-2010, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mean Mr. Mustard

Not to be a dick - but there was real fighting in Western Europe as well. The Soviets did suffer a great deal but that was in large part due to the purges and poor military leadership in the early years of the war. I think many are guilty of dismissing the Russian contribution to the war effort out of ignorance whereas you seem to be intentionally ignoring the Western fronts contributions.

Yah dude I am completly ignoring the contributions of the Western front

you really nailed me there buddy.

I just knew that somebody would make this comment. My mistake that "some people" wouldn't give me the benefit of the doubt what I meant.

I am aknowledging the fact that the underrated heavy lifting was done on the Eastern front. I am well aware of the contribution people like my father made in the West.

I didnt realize that a sacrifice by so many russians needs an asterix because it was mostly due to poor leadership