Hi, I'm trying to track down some information about an uncle who served as a Lancaster navigator during WW2. All I have is his name and place of birth. Is there any way I can trace any further details? As in are there any squadron listings online which allow searches, or anything of that kind?

Many thanks for any information.

Steve.

Hi Steve,
You could try the following address to obtain your uncles service record which will give you all you want to know, but one has to be next of kin.

Obtaining service records for those who served in the Royal Air Force during world war 2 is more or less straightforward, but Innsworth will only divulge service information to the person to whom it refers or, if he or she has died to his or her immediate next of kin. Anyone else must obtain permission from the person about whom they are enquiring or from his or her next of kin, before any information will be given to them. In some cases the PMA make a charge of £30.00 for any information they provide. Except to the person to which it refers, or the widow or widower of that person.

To obtain service records you will need to write to:

PMA(Sec)1b(RAF)
Room 5, Building 248A,
RAF Personnel Management Agency
Raf Innsworth
Gloucester GL3 1EZ

The PMA do not have a website or contact telephone number and all correspondence must be forwarded by letter.

Any chance of posting your uncles name on here?

rafcommands.com

join the forums and ask there as well, Liberator has given you some excellent info

E ~

Thanks very much for the reply. I do appreciate it. The name I'm looking up is Eric Parker.

Steve,

Did Eric Parker survive the war?

Oh yes, he's still alive now. I'm hoping to track down some info and possibly photographs as a surprise for him.

Steve,

Pleased Eric is still with us, I think you might have to ask him a few questions to progress with your search, ie service number / squadrons and such. As Erich suggests rafcommands.com will be the best place to ask, lots of RAF experts there.

Yes, I was hoping to manage it without giving the game away, as it's part of a surprise we've been planning. If all else fails, I'll see if we can make some innocent enquiries without arousing his suspicions. Thanks for the suggestions anyway.

Steve.