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Help ! I have been searching for information on my uncle James Alfred Vines. I know he was in the Army, could be Royal Artillery under General Slim. He was in Burma, and went over the Himalayas with donkeys. I remember seeing a photo of him wearing a Bush hat with upturned brim on one side. Unfortunately he died before his wife and when his wife eventually died, her family discarded all our records. I have searched in Military records and can find no trace of him. Any suggestions anyone? Many thanks M Vines :-(

They are not online

http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/army.html

What is not online? That answer makes no sense

WW2 service records

You have to apply for them using the link I posted

But which country did he do his service for

Sorry I did not understand your message. I have searched military records already under the link you gave me. He served for the British Army, but he was in Burma with the Australians too. Veterans .uk have no record of him which is very strange, as I remember him coming home, and suffering from malaria. I remember that he spoke of General Slim, and he had a photograph taken of him with my grandmother, hence I remember the Australian bush hat. Unfortunately no records or photographs remain.

Have you thought of trying the Burma Star Association they may be able to help.

Pat :-)

The records are NOT on the website

You have to download an application form....fill it in...and send with payment of £30.00 to the appropriate address. As you may not be his next of kin, you will probably be asked to provide a copy of his death cert, and some explanation of your link to the serviceman

It will take several months for the documents to be despatched.

I hope this is now clear for you

Thank you Pat, that is one avenue I can pursue and will. Reggie, thank you, I have looked into this avenue, and will follow it up ,but the information they have given me is that with so little information, there is not much chance of success there.

Hi Mavis,

Try the Wartime memories Project. Sometimes you can find help that way. Just google it and go into WW2 then follow your nose so to speak.

I have had great success with my family tracing. It can take months before a reply comes through, but it does come.

With the Burma and Australian connection I think you will have success. Lots of memories on the site so give it a go if all other avenues fail.

Good luck,

Sappho