Help finding soldier - 44th Battalion CEF

[Sam_martin82]

Hello everyone

My Great Grandfather was a soldier during World War 1 and I am trying to find out as much as I can about him.
His name was Robert Martin. He enlisted as Lance Corporal, March 1915 with B Company 44th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. Regiment number 622249.
I know he was entitled to the Victory Medal and British War Medal. I believe he was entitled to the Silver War Badge due to a shrapnel injury that caused him to be discharged in Oct 1919. We have a War Badge, number c47600 but I can't trace its owner or confirm it was his.

Can anyone please help trace his records? The British site Ancestry.co.uk only held his Attestation documents. I would like to find his Service Records, Medal Index card etc etc. I've requested his Service Records from Canada Collections which will take about 30 days and cost about $30 Canadian Dollars.
My email is sam_martin82@hotmail.com. Any help appreciated, especially on the Silver War Badge !

Thanks.
Grateful Great-Grandson

[ulsterlad2]

Hello Sam_Martin82.

Your Great-Grandfather's medal card will be part of his full service file when you receive it from Canada. Included will be his discharge certificate which will be stamped with "War Service Badge" if entitled.

While you're waiting here's the 44th Bn diaries if you haven't seen them.

http://data4.collectionscanada.ca/netacgi/nph-brs?s1=44th+Battalion&s13=&s12=&l=20&s9=RG9&s7=9-52&Sect1=IMAGE&Sect2=THESOFF&Sect4=AND&Sect5=WARDPEN&Sect6=HITOFF&d=FIND&p=1&u=http://www.collectionscanada.ca/archivianet/02015202_e.html&r=1&f=G

[Sam_martin82]

Thank you very much.

It seems I can't do anything until I receive his Service Records from Canada.

I hoped there was possibly a database online I could access before then.

Never mind.

[ralphjd]

You know what they say - "Patience is a virtue" slowly slowly catchee monkey. Know what its like waiting for documents from Canada, but really good feeling when they arrive, makes up for the wait. Cheers. Ralph.

[Sam_martin82]

Thanks Ralph.

I'm waiting on my Grandfathers WW2 records as well. I've had to order them from Scotland though. They estimate up to 9 months. Bit different than 30 days from Canada considering I live in England anyway.

Thank you

[ralphjd]

Thinking of sending to Scotland for my Uncles records, but 9 MONTHS wait could be dead by then. How busy are they ?

[Sam_martin82]

Thinking of sending to Scotland for my Uncles records, but 9 MONTHS wait could be dead by then. How busy are they ?

[Sam_martin82]

Don't worry about the 9 months. They warn up to that time limit but I ordered mine in July and the file arrived yesterday. They even apologised for how long it had taken as they prioritise living former soldiers requesting their own records before family requests.

I was told if the relative is alive you need their permission, signature etc etc. My Grandad passed away in June so I just had to get the forms signed by next of kin who is my Dad.

Good luck. It's well worth the £30 admin fee.

[ralphjd]

My Uncle passed away on his 65th birthday back in 1989, my mum, his sister, last living relative at the time died in 1995, the nearest relative I suppose is my brother who is older than myself, am I eligible to apply ? Ralph.

[Sam_martin82]

Just confirm your Uncle served in WW2.

What's your email? I'll send you the email they sent me with all forms attached when I first enquired. It was quite simple though.

[ralphjd]

Yes, my Uncle Charlie served in Palestine WW2 with the Kings Own Scottish Borderers. Sent you a pm with my email address. Cheers Ralph.