I am trying to find information about my Uncle. I have only one picture of him. Having added it to a Facebook page where members try to help they have came to the conclusion that his uniform is that of the ‘Second Australian Imperial Force’. My problem is that he was born in 1915 in Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, Scotland. Is there anywhere I can search to get an answer .
TIA
Hi,
Try this link with the National Australian Archives: https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/SearchScreens/NameSearch.aspx
If your uncle was with the 2AIF you should likely find his records.
Let me know how you go or if I can help further.
Ruth
Hi Ruth
Thank you for helping.
I am registered with this site and have gotten nowhere with my searches.
I was always told he was in the Merchant Navy . That was until I put the one photo of him I have on a facebook page. I was inundated with people telling me he was wearing the uniform for The Second Australian Imperial Force. So now I am at a loss as to where to look next.
If you have any ideas on what I can do next that would be brilliant.
I have attached the photo. Let me know what you think.
Kind regards
Linda
Hi Linda,
It is my pleasure to help you and thank you for your uncle’s photo. He appears to wear the Lance Corporal stripe, and his uniform and photo style certainly indicate he was in the 2AIF.
Navigating the NAA searches is often frustrating, but if you tell me your uncle’s full name I will see what I can uncover for you. I will also give you the steps through the process so you can locate the information again whenever you wish.
Looking forward to hearing from you further.
Ruth
Hi Ruth
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I would be grateful for any help you can give me.
As far as I know he was born in 1915 in Bonnybridge Stirlingshire Scotland. His name wasJames McGregor. I am not sure if he had any middle names…his brothers both had GOSS as a middle name. My Dad just had Goss while the other brother had William Goss.James may hzve had any of these or maybe he had Robert.
Regards
Linda
Hi again
I am presently enjoying a relaxing week in Bali. Then on to Perth WA for 2 weeks.
Where in Australia are you?
Regards Linda
Hi Linda,
Lovely to hear from you again and that’s completely fine - I’ve been away, anyway.
You’re probably right across this, but these are the steps to the NAA link I rely on:
NAA Link: https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/SessionTimeout.aspx
You are probably already aware, but soldiers were often recruited under misspelt names or incorrect birth dates, but their enlistment papers also contain their next of kin and address, so this may also be helpful in your search. Although I couldn’t find a James McGregor (incl. Goss) who was born in Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, Scotland, I found some long shots that could potentially help:
James Mervyn McGregor born 13 October 1915: https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/DetailsReports/ItemDetail.aspx?Barcode=4832889&isAv=N
Peter McGregor (born Sterling, Scotland 01/01/1900) link: https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=6276855
I’ll keep trying for you and let you know of any further links or information I find.
My best wishes in your search and let me know how you go, Linda.
Ruth
Linda,
I also found this link which might interest you, but it is of Lance Corporal Malcom McGregor (Service No. 843) from Stirlingshire, Scotland, who enlisted in WW1. He later became Lieutenant.
Virtual War Memorial link: https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/283038
Ruth
