FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Any input that you can give to help others in their quest for help
would be very much appreciated.  Please send anything that may be useful to the pecbsa@btconnect.com  We are also seeking images of insignia for the various Regiments/Units etc to enhance this site.

Question: How do I get hold of my father's Burma Star medal?  (To Obtain US Medals please CLICK HERE)
Reply:       The Army Medals Office has a web site at http://www.mod.uk/afpaa/mod_medal_office/index.htm   There you can download an application form (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader for this ( Click Here to Download the Acrobat Reader ) You will find that you need to know quite a bit of information that you may or may not have.  You will need to know your father's full name, date of birth and Service Number - that could be problem no.1.  You will also need his date of joining his first unit and his date of leaving or demob.

If you are not sure of his service number, do you know which Regiment he served in?  If the answer is 'yes', are they still in existence. If so, write to the Regimental Headquarters and they should be able to furnish you with the details that you require.  If the Regiment has amalgamated with another, you will need to do a web search on the Regiment or check the following site:

 T.F. Mill's excellent and informative site http://regiments.org/milhist/uk/uk.htm

 You will then need to write to the new Regimental HQ giving all the details possible in order to help you with your enquiry.

Bear in mind that replacement of medals is only offered to the recipient or the immediate next of kin, and then only when clear and documented proof of loss is provided.

The Medals Office provides two
main services:

• Issue of medals to those entitled persons who have never received them.
• Replacement of medals for entitled personnel.

For both circumstances, an initial letter should be sent to the Medal Office explaining the precise request and the circumstances behind it. As much of the following information as possible concerning the original recipient or entitled person should be included and where possible backed up with photocopies only of supporting documentation (entitlement to medals is only determined from original records held by the Army):

For further information, you could also try the government's Veterans Advice Unit which offers advice to veterans and their families on issues including claiming medals, housing, service and war pensions and tracing former comrades.  They are available on veteransadvice@veterans.mod.uk or by telephone on 0845-020302.

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QUESTION: I need some welfare help for my elderly father who served in Burma - where do I go for information?
REPLY: There are a number of places that are there specifically to help former servicemen and women with their Welfare Needs whether this be care or respite care, financial help or whatever.  It may or may not be necessary to be a member of the organisation, but for the small costs involved, it would be worth joining for the help of others now and possibly you later.

Click on the link below or just scroll down the page:

1. S.S.A.F.A. - The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association were formed to be able to help old soldiers with their Welfare.  This is probably one of the most important addresses to check first.  They have a web site at

http://www.ssafa.org.uk/index.html and can be contacted through that site

and by post to:

SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association )
19 Queen Elizabeth Street,
London,
SE1 2LP,
UK

Telephone:020 7403 8783
Fax:020 7403 8815

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2.  THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - to qualify for help from the RBL, it is understood that the person needing the help must be a member.  However they do allow you to join and then apply for the benefits within a relatively short time.  It is well worth joining the RBL in any case as the funds raised go to help all ex-servicemen members and is an excellent 'good cause'

The RBL can be found at:

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
48, Pall Mall,
London
SW1Y 5JY
Tel: 020-7973-7200

Enquiries should be made to the Welfare Office

There is a website for more information at: http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/

You can join the Royal British Legion at your local RBL club which will be in your telephone directory

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3. THE OLD REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION: Most associations from Regiments/Services etc. have their own Welfare Officer who can help and advise as necessary.  To find the details of the Association who covers your relatives former Regiment, go to:

http://www.burmastar.org.uk/associations.htm

there you will find most organisations throughout the UK.  Write to the Welfare Officer concerned regarding the possibility of help.

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4. THE BURMA STAR ASSOCIATION: Each Branch of the BSA has it's own Welfare Officer there for the needs of Old Comrades.  To obtain the address of the local Branch Officer, contact the Headquarters at:

Burma Star Association
4 Lower Belgrave Street,
London,
SW1W OLA
Tel: 0171-823-4283

The HQ Benevolence Officer is: Miss R.D. Patrick BA

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VETERANS ADVICE UNIT

For further information, you could also try the government's Veterans Advice Unit which offers advice to veterans and their families on issues including claiming medals, housing, service and war pensions and tracing former comrades.  They are available on veteransadvice@veterans.mod.uk or by telephone on 0845-020302.

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QUESTION: I served in Burma and would like to contact some old Comrades - how do I do that?
REPLY:  Firstly, if you send your details to the pecbsa@btconnect.com we will place your request for contact on the 'TRACING' page.  There is no charge for this.  Please give as many details as possible together with an e-mail address that we may put as a contact number.  If you wish us to withhold your address details, please say so and should any responses be received, we will forward these on to you ourselves without a direct reply to you from the person replying to your search request.

If you join the Burma Star Association, they do have local Branches throughout the UK; they also have a search facility for obtaining details of other members, and quarterly, they publish their magazine 'DEKHO!' which besides having most interesting articles, they also have a page dedicated to people finding old friends.

The Royal British Legion also have a 'LOST TRAILS' page on their website at http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/ and if you join the RBL, they too have a quarterly magazine with search requests.

Have you tried the Regimental Association for your search? If you check http://www.burmastar.org.uk/associations.htm there is a good chance that you will find the Association address there and even if they do not know at the HQ, you may find someone who knew you amongst it's members - perhaps someone could ask, or you could even go to the next meeting and enquire yourself

If you are an ex-Chindit, try

The T.A. Centre
Wolseley House
Fallings Park
Wolverhampton 
West Midlands WV10 9QR
United Kingdom           The Liaison Officer is on 44+(0)1902-731841

if you still have problems and have explored the Chindits page via the 'REGIMENTS' button, contact the pecbsa@btconnect.com as there are a couple of other 'preserved' sources.  Don't forget that it was not just UK forces involved with the Chindits.  We are trying to get details from overseas Chindit units e.g. - the Chinese Canadian Chindits and once obtained, subject to permission, we will put their details on the site too.

For further information, you could also try the government's Veterans Advice Unit which offers advice to veterans and their families on issues including claiming medals, housing, service and war pensions and tracing former comrades.  They are available on veteransadvice@veterans.mod.uk or by telephone on 0845-020302.

If you're desperate to find someone, do you know where they came from - if so, try and advert in the local newspaper for that area - this method does frequently work.

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QUESTION: Who runs this website and why was it set up?

Paul Loseby has taken over the site from November 2002, please read below how it came into bieng, Paul is still involved but has stepped down due to family commitments.

REPLY: Ex-Royal Marine Paul Loseby created and runs the site.  His father Rev. E.J.C. (Don) Loseby is a Burma Star holder and the Padre of the Wigston & District Branch of the Burma Star Association. 

Initially, the site was created as an Online Memorial to the Members and Friends of the Wigston & District Branch of the BSA so that future generations could read about Rev Loseby and the others from the Branch.

Within a few months of being 'Online', many queries began to be asked about all aspects of the Far Eastern Campaign, from veterans and their families throughout the world.  There were a vast number of Family History enquiries and a lot of people searching for Old Comrades.  It was therefore decided to open up to site to cover all who served in Burma and the Far East from whatever Country and to help where possible, put old friends back in touch with each other.

At this time (21st June 2000), there is no affiliation to the Burma Star Association and no monies are received.  The cost of running the site has until now, been born by the Rev. and Paul Loseby.   To enable the site to continue, it is hoped that the 'Your Story' space will bring in a small amount to cover the costs involved.

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QUESTION: How do I get hold of a copy of my Grandfather's Service Record?  (To Obtain US Records please CLICK HERE)
REPLY: Go to the following site run by the Ministry of Defence - this should give you good guidlines: http://www.mod.uk/forces/records/army.htm We are also  hoping that a Family History expert will read this question and be able to help us, in the meantime, can we suggest that you contact your local Family History Society.  They should have certain military records but it would be expected, that to obtain a copy of a service record, you would need to be an immediate relative of the person whose record your are trying to get.  You will also need his Regiment and full regimental number and the approximate dates of his/her service.

Contact with the Regimental Headquarters should put you on the right lines and again for those details go to http://regiments.org/milhist/uk/lists/bargxref.htm By clicking the links on that page, you can get the addresses required.

For further information, you could also try the government's Veterans Advice Unit which offers advice to veterans and their families on issues including claiming medals, housing, service and war pensions and tracing former comrades.  They are available on veteransadvice@veterans.mod.uk or by telephone on 0845-020302.

Further information from Peter Collison who has traced his father's history and that of his Regiment, The Royal Norfolk Regiment:-

It is a must to contact Army records for relative’s service histories, and you will only be able to get information from the Army you are the last surviving member of the soldier’s family or have written permission from his next of kin. Army records will send all the necessary paper work explaining what to do and cost, about 20 pounds.

Regiments H.Q. may not be able to do much via letter and you may have to go there personally, saying that, Army records would tell the enquirer all of what he needs, but not that his uncle was in Kohima or even Burma etc, just that he was on overseas service in India.   The best form of information is from Regimental History Books, if you can find them.  It can take some time to find them and then they can cost an arm and a leg but if you want them that is the price you pay.

Army records is a must, the first port of call, that way there is no mistake of where family served, plus it mentions dates and places one would never think about, great for cross

reference with other publications enabling one to pin point just where and when the Regiment served, even today, you can still cross check dates and places of those that you are not totally happy about, as it turns up another question which in turn leads to another contact or book etc.

If the person is deadly serious about finding out all they can and to be absolutely sure in their mind then it must be books.

Another very good source of info is the local Burma Star Association branch in the area which the family member lived, and where there are still members of the same Regiment - details may be on the door step? A lot of people are looking for a short cut and not prepared to put themselves out but if you want the history, like any family history, it does take considerable time and a certain amount of money.

With my dads service record, came info on how to find exact locations and movements of individual servicemen or units, it say's:
"Information of this nature may be available from the "Commanders War Diaries" which are held at the Public Record Office, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surry, TW9 4DU. It must be noted that as the Public Record Office does not carry out searches on behalf of the public it is necessary to visit in person. If visiting Kew for the first time you must take with you some proof of identity eg a driving Licence or banker's card.
If you are unable to visit in person, or arrange for someone to do it on your behalf, you must employ an independent researcher. Details of those may be obtained from the Search Department at Kew".
It goes on to say: "Information on the Regiment itself may be held by the Imperial War Museum at Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ. if you wish to view a particular Regiment History an appointment is necessary and should be booked at least 24 Hours in advance. Appointments can be made by telephoning 0171 416 5342". 
Some Regiment Histories have been published and may either be held by your local library or obtained through their inter-library loan service. 

QUESTION: I am doing a family history project - can you tell me where to search?
REPLY: The webmaster is far from being any sort of great help in this field, however during the time that this site has been running, various contact points have been made. These are:-

Family History Using Military Sources - Extremely useful site from Tameside Metropolitan Borough with flow charts etc.

Cyndi's list - A Fantastic Resource Site

http://regiments.org/milhist/uk/uk.htm#museum - this site will guide you in most aspects of family history.  If you scroll down that page further, you will also get details of Public Record leaflets etc.

The Public Records office that deals with the Forces is at:

The Public Records Office
Ruskin Avenue
Kew
Richmond
Surrey
TW9 4DU

Also try your local Family History Society who's telephone number will be int he telephone directory.

As more information becomes available, it will be published and hopefully help others like yourself.

For further information, you could also try the government's Veterans Advice Unit which offers advice to veterans and their families on issues including claiming medals, housing, service and war pensions and tracing former comrades.  They are available on veteransadvice@veterans.mod.uk or by telephone on 0845-020302.

Further information from Peter Collison who has traced his father's history and that of his Regiment, The Royal Norfolk Regiment:-

It is a must to contact Army records for relative’s service histories, and you will only be able to get information from the Army you are the last surviving member of the soldier’s family or have written permission from his next of kin. Army records will send all the necessary paper work explaining what to do and cost, about 20 pounds.

Regiments H.Q. may not be able to do much via letter and you may have to go there personally, saying that, Army records would tell the enquirer all of what he needs, but not that his uncle was in Kohima or even Burma etc, just that he was on overseas service in India.   The best form of information is from Regimental History Books, if you can find them.  It can take some time to find them and then they can cost an arm and a leg but if you want them that is the price you pay.

Army records is a must, the first port of call, that way there is no mistake of where family served, plus it mentions dates and places one would never think about, great for cross

reference with other publications enabling one to pin point just where and when the Regiment served, even today, you can still cross check dates and places of those that you are not totally happy about, as it turns up another question which in turn leads to another contact or book etc.

If the person is deadly serious about finding out all they can and to be absolutely sure in their mind then it must be books.

Another very good source of info is the local Burma Star Association branch in the area which the family member lived, and where there are still members of the same Regiment - details may be on the door step? A lot of people are looking for a short cut and not prepared to put themselves out but if you want the history, like any family history, it does take considerable time and a certain amount of money.

Further information from Peter Collison who has traced his father's history and that of his Regiment, The Royal Norfolk Regiment:-

It is a must to contact Army records for relative’s service histories, and you will only be able to get information from the Army you are the last surviving member of the soldier’s family or have written permission from his next of kin. Army records will send all the necessary paper work explaining what to do and cost, about 20 pounds.

Regiments H.Q. may not be able to do much via letter and you may have to go there personally, saying that, Army records would tell the enquirer all of what he needs, but not that his uncle was in Kohima or even Burma etc, just that he was on overseas service in India.   The best form of information is from Regimental History Books, if you can find them.  It can take some time to find them and then they can cost an arm and a leg but if you want them that is the price you pay.

Army records is a must, the first port of call, that way there is no mistake of where family served, plus it mentions dates and places one would never think about, great for cross

reference with other publications enabling one to pin point just where and when the Regiment served, even today, you can still cross check dates and places of those that you are not totally happy about, as it turns up another question which in turn leads to another contact or book etc.

If the person is deadly serious about finding out all they can and to be absolutely sure in their mind then it must be books.

Another very good source of info is the local Burma Star Association branch in the area which the family member lived, and where there are still members of the same Regiment - details may be on the door step? A lot of people are looking for a short cut and not prepared to put themselves out but if you want the history, like any family history, it does take considerable time and a certain amount of money.

With my dads service record, came info on how to find exact locations and movements of individual servicemen or units, it say's:
"Information of this nature may be available from the "Commanders War Diaries" which are held at the Public Record Office, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surry, TW9 4DU. It must be noted that as the Public Record Office does not carry out searches on behalf of the public it is necessary to visit in person. If visiting Kew for the first time you must take with you some proof of identity eg a driving Licence or banker's card.
If you are unable to visit in person, or arrange for someone to do it on your behalf, you must employ an independent researcher. Details of those may be obtained from the Search Department at Kew".
It goes on to say: "Information on the Regiment itself may be held by the Imperial War Museum at Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ. if you wish to view a particular Regiment History an appointment is necessary and should be booked at least 24 Hours in advance. Appointments can be made by telephoning 0171 416 5342". 
Some Regiment Histories have been published and may either be held by your local library or obtained through their inter-library loan service. 

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QUESTION - What is this site all about?
REPLY: This is an independent site, dedicated to the men and women of the Burma Star Association, and to all those who fought in the Burma Campaign of 1941-1945.  It is hoped that the accounts you will read, will allow you to remember what those people did for us.  As they said:

"For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today"

QUESTION - Who sponsors the site?
REPLY:-  Whilst sponsorship is currently being sought, as at this date (2nd Feb 2003), this site is maintained solely at the expense of the   web master Paul Loseby

The site is maintained by Paul Loseby and dave harding on the information given to them by the readers of the site.