How to find a serviceman's service number?

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Profile	Posted by	Options	Post Date
Member Since: March 2003 Posts: 8 Send Message	EngIrishMike	Report	6 Aug 2019 18:06
Member Since: March 2003 Posts: 8 Send Message	Hi, My father and grandfather both served in WWII, my dad was a Royal Marine and my granddad was in the Army. I don't know their service numbers. Does anyone know how I can find them? Thanks. Mike.
Member Since: November 2008 Posts: 39,699 Send Message	PatinCyprus	Report	6 Aug 2019 18:42
	Documents for those serving post 1920 are still with the MOD. You don't need service numbers to get their docs. Later in these documents it states service number OR DOB, so as long as you have DOB you will be OK. You will need their death certs. and permission of next of kin of anyone who has been dead less than 25 yrs. If either wife is still alive they can get the docs. free otherwise £30.00. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/request-records-of-deceased-service-personnel
	Researching: Lloyd,Paddock,Cooper,Morris,Rigby West Midlands Salop Worc
Member Since: March 2003 Posts: 26,272 Send Message	ArgyllGran	Report	7 Aug 2019 17:26
	The gov.uk website is confusing. The general info page says "You need to know the person’s full name, date of birth and service number." However, as Pat says, the actual application form says "date of birth AND/OR service number".
	Researching: Old genealogists never die.....they just lose their census.