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
Hi Ruth, It has been a while since our last msg. I am still no further with my search for my Uncle. I have no idea what my next move is. How are you doing…fine I hope.
Linda
James MacGregor’s father was also James and his mother was Agnes Fanny Goss, Goss being her Maiden Name. I found a Family tree on Ancestry with this info which also has his death in UK as of yet nothing found in Australia.
When researching if you know other family members, dates, addresses etc try and put as much info as you can and if you dont put that you dont know anymore.
Also use McGregor, J. MacGregor, MacGregor etc. There are so many people with same names and year of births too. I have come across all this while looking for my own family stuff.
If I find anything else I will post here.
Hi,
Thank you for your help. I have my MacGregor tree right back to the 1300’s. I know where my father Robert, his brother Alfie and his sister Agnes died. James is a mystery. The photo I have of James has him wearing a uniform, which I have been told is that of the Second Australian Imperial Force. I haven’t got far with the Goss side yet. Spending so much time looking for James.
Regards
Linda Brown (nee MacGregor)
Hi Linda,
It’s great to hear from you, and I hope you are well, too.
I see your request for further information on your Uncle James MacGregor, and have found this James McGregor (not MacGregor) from Ayr, Scotland, who was born in 1905 (not 1915). I don’t know if this is the same information I sent you previously, but his service no. was NX78627; he saw action in the New Guinea campaign, was terribly stricken with malaria, and evacuated to Australia, where he continued his military service in the A.I.F. It doesn’t appear that he died at sea.
I can’t find anyone else who fits your uncle’s detilas, but let’s hope this information helps you in your search:
NAA link:
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4655205
My best wishes, and keep well.
Ruth
Hi Ruth
I am no further in my search for him. He was born in 1915, Bonnybridge Stirlingshire. My cousin visited today and he was well impressed with the work I have done so far. He said that his mum didn’t really speak about her family. I was gutted. He was almost in tears when I gave him a picture of his mum.
My search continues.
Take care
Linda
Hi Linda,
That is terribly sad for you and your cousin feel, and I truly feel your pain.
Let me try further at this end. There will be a clue there somewhere, so hang in there.
I’ll get back to you again a bit later after I’ve kicked around a few ideas.
Take care also,
Ruth
Ruth James J.P. (Qual)
Author/T.E.S.O.L. Teacher
Allied Learning
Mobile: 0406 572 828
Email: alliedlearningonline@gmail.com
Hi Linda,
I am no closer to answers for you, I’m sorry.
Perhaps if you email the AWM History Unit directly, they can provide you with more information.
This is their email address (if it still works): request@awm.gov.au
My best wishes,
Ruth
Hi Ruth,
Thank for all your help. It is as if he just vanished. I will give the AWM a try and let you know how I get on.
Thanks again for your help
Linda
3 weeks ago I asked a few questions in one of your other threads. Is there a reason why you haven’t bothered to respond?
You are very welcome, Linda.
Yes, it is a mystery, but do let me know how you go. I’ll give you a heads up if I think of anything else, too.
My best wishes,
Ruth
Hi,
My apologies for the late reply.
I was always told that he was in the Merchant Navy and died during WW2. The photo has his name written on the back which is why I think it is James.
I spoke with my cousin (his mother was James’ sister). and he has no idea what happened to James. His mother never spoke about him.
I don’t know when he arrived in Australia or the state he lived in.
I will have to keep looking.
Regards
Linda
