Lelie William Rockey

[rocktop]

Having lost my father whilst young I have very little knowledge of my father's military record. It is on this basis that I am hoping that you may be able to point me in the right direction - the little that I do know was that he rose through the ranks and was commisioned in 1943 in the RWF. He rose to the rank of Major and was at some time an acting Lt Colonel finishing his career in Western Africa - I think !! DOB 04/09/09


If anyone can help or point me in the right direction I would be grateful

[ap1]

Hi Alan,

I've found your father in the London Gazette, as an Officer Cadet being commissioned into The Pioneer Corps effective from 9th Oct 1943. His Officer Number is 879373. He also has a previous (rankers) number of 295154. I do not know at this stage what regiment he was serving with prior to his commission. The link below will take you to the page:

http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/arc...selHonourType=


In 1945 he appears again, this time he is promoted to a War Substantive LT, in the Royal Welch Fusiliers. He was allowed seniority. Effective 15 April 1945. The link below will take you to the page:

http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/arc...selHonourType=


I havn't searched the Gazette any further, as I thought you may wish to do that. You will be able to track any further promotions and honours. One of our members may be able to advise us with regard to the criteria for War Commissions.

I have checked Red Dragon and Regimental Records post 1945. He does not appear to get a mention so I would suggest he had an administration job, away from the regiment. One of other members may be able to assist with that.

Hope this starts you off. You now can apply for his Service Record.

Keep us all posted please.

Best Wishes

Al

[rocktop]

Thanks to Al for the info - will now make further enquiries in to his army records but as yet unable to find anything else in the gazettes after 1945. One last thing - what is a war substantive commission ?

[ap1]

I'm not really sure. It's possibly a category of commission that is granted in Wartime, with the tenet that it is relinquished after hostilities cease. Perhaps someone else can advise?