My family history

[pug306]

I would like to know a coouple of things. I had a Grandad who in WWII, I have been told he was a tank driver by one member of the family, and in Blackwatch by another. He only ever talked about the war once in my presence as he did not like to talk about it, and it didnt involve a tank!! I have no i.d numbers, but would be interested if there is a way to find out who he served with, and what missions he was involved with!! Also apparently many many moons ago, my family had a 'sweets' company in Essex, but have tried to find info on it but it doesnt come up on searches, any help where I may be able to start would be appreciated!

[CheekyChops]

If your Grandad married or had a child whilst he was in the army, you might find that his rank/regiment and service number are on the relevant certificate.

My grandad married in 1940 and his marriage cert gives the above info and then gives his 'normal' occupation underneath.

Using this info, I was able to send off for his service records from the army, which was fantastic. He was also a tank driver and was in the Royal Tank Regiment.

Have you got any photos of him where you might be able to recognise the uniform or cap badge or something?

As for the sweets company, have you any idea of the name of it? Depending on when it was, you could try looking in historical directories. Try here: http://www.historicaldirectories.org/

[Octavius]

There is a military history section here, but you might find you need to pay a fee. Also, the more info you can glean from living relatives the better.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/

[dot.hawkes]

if you know of any service medals, his number is written around the rim. If you you look up confecionary or sweet manufacturers in the Slaters or similar directories you may uncover something.

[pug306]

Thanks to all for your help will look in to it! Unusally dot.hawkes, we share the same surname, I only know of the sweets factory, as possibly Hawkes Sweets. Someone I use dto work with thinks he remembers them as boiled sweets! Thanks again!