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Ronald Swindells

Started by Ronnie’s granddaughter, November 13, 2020, 07:24:36 AM

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Ronnie’s granddaughter

Hi, I am trying to find more information about my Grandad's time in WW2. I have very limited information and have no clue how to get any further on research! He didn't share much information about this time in his life but here's what I have:

He was born 1925
At 17 (1942) he was called up for national service
He served 3.5 years.
He was sent to Singapore and marched to Siam.
He slept on the deck of the boat.
He had a pet monkey there called coco.

He was born in Ashton so we assume that as he stayed local he would have been in Manchester regiment but really don't know. I don't have his army number so can't request his military records. He was deeply scarred by this time in his life so he never really spoke about it.

Any help would be hugely appreciated, we unfortunately lost my Grandad in February this year.

mack

hiya,welcome to the forum
i have checked the POW records for those captured by the japs and theres nobody called ronald or ron swindells listed,if he was called up in 1942 he would have been to late to have gone to singapore by the time he had done his basic training,plus he was too young to go on active service overseas,singapore surrendered on 15th february 1942

mack

Ronnie’s granddaughter

Hi Mack,

Thanks for the reply. The very limited information we have is that he drove vehicles and fixed them as well. I'm lost as to where to go from here.

charlie

Welcome to the forum
Your best course of action is to apply for his service record, follow the links here http://themanchesters.org/forum/index.php?topic=8967.0

Please note his service number is not required. All that is required are his full names and date of birth.

Charlie

PhilipG

It so happens, that I, too, joined HM Forces in 1942.   Thus, your grandfather would have followed in the footsteps of thousands of men, who like me, were ordered to attend for medical examination etc at a former school for girls - the Recruitment Centre in Dover Street, Manchester.   The premises are now part of Manchester University.   It was there that it was prudent to visit one of the recruitment sections to see if one's civilian accomplishments would assist in joining the military unit preferred.    (In my case there was a blockage at RAF flying schools on account of weather so air crew recruitment was being delayed.  Reference to my uncle's RN service in the Great War ensured my eventual call-up to the FAA).

A photograph of the Dover Street building is available on the internet.   Best regards.  PhilipG.

Ronnie’s granddaughter

Thank you so much Philip.

I'm afraid covid has halted my search for now as I can't get a copy of my Grandad's deaths certificate until lockdown has finished my daughter is isolating. None of the web searches I have done have found any records so if I can get a copy from the mod will be great. It's amazing how much there is to learn

charlie

Philip,
My father was also called up in 1942, if I remember correctly the call up age at that time was 21. Was Dover St just for the RAF or was it all services? I think my father said he knew that he was for the RAF when he was told to report to Dover St, I asked him how he knew, his reply was simply  ,,in those days you just knew these things"

Charlie

PhilipG

Charlie,   I think the Dover Street facilities were for all three services.  (As to the call up age.   All I can report is that at the age of 18 in 1942, I was serving His Majesty in the capacity of a Naval Airman 2nd Class at the FAA HQ at Lee on Solent.   This was followed by promotion to Acting Leading Airman and ultimately to commissioned rank.   Sadly, on the way I lost a number of comrades including a Petty Officer Pilot in a Barracuda crash.  Easily done ! ).      PhilipG.

charlie