D K Hawkins

[jacobscrackers]

Hi Everyone
I'm here again asking for help from anyone kind enough to give it. I'm doing my brother in law's family tree. Sadly his Dad died when he was only little, so he didn't have the chance to question him about his life at all. He has his medals - Egypt Star, Italy Star plus the Defence and 39-45 medals. Also has quite a few photos with pyramids in the background and guys lying about in the sand !! His name was Denis Kenred Hawkins and he was born in Manchester in 1915 (died Rhyl 1954) and was married in 1940. I think he will have joined up around the Llandudn/Conwy area. It seems he might have been in the Armoured Corps and had two stripes on his uniform, denoting two injuries. I've tried searching for him in all the usual places, but nothing at all comes up for him - no medal card, no joining up papers - nothing. I'm at a loss now. Is anyone able to help please. Sorry, I have no service number for him either. It's a long shot but I know you guys have all sorts of resources and ideas between you. Thanks in anticipation.

[Jerry B]

Hi, you will probably struggle with so little information on him. If he is a relative and they have his death certificate they can apply to the MOD for his service records for a fee of £25.

https://www.gov.uk/government/organi...ervice-records

Any chance you can show some of the pictures?

[ivor43]

Hi.
info given pretty much correct. Birth Sept Q 1915. Prestwich. Mothers Maiden name Edge.
Death recorded Mar Q.1955. registered St Asaph.
Married Dec Q 1940. N.E. Cheshire to Beatrice Atkinson.
Forces War Records only has 1 possible D Hawkins Service No 553140 but no unit. record year 1944.

ivor

[ivor43]

hi
Incidentally 553140 D Hawkins is recorded as a Corporal by Forces War Records.

ivor

[jacobscrackers]

Many, many thanks Ivor. At least knowing his number is a start. Don't know why there would be no records on though !! I will keep looking. Cheers

[jacobscrackers]

Hi Jerry B
Thanks for that info. D K Hawkins is the father of my brother in law, so I will ask him if he wants to send for his Dad's record. I do have his service number now from one of your colleagues. I will also ask him if he can let me borrow some of the pics to show you. Thanks again. Hopefully will be in touch soon.
Chris

[ivor43]

Hi.
hold on. i did not say, nor have i any firm evidence that 553140 is your D K Hawkins. it is just a possibility.

ivor

[ap1]

Do you have a picture of him in uniform. One of the team might spot something?

[jacobscrackers]

Ok, sorry Ivor. I think the best bet is for my brother in law to send for his record. Thanks anyway
Chris

PS Just found another little snippet of info. Denis Kenred Hawkins first wife (Margaret) died in a road accident on 12 Aug 39. The Probate record says her effects of £23 were left to her husband (as above) who was a private in H M Army at Bulford Camp, Salisbury. So Denis was stationed in Bulford Camp in August '39'

[ivor43]

Hi all.
This is taking me well into strange territory.
I have been looking into 553140. the Number. as to what possible unit it may have been issued by. I found an interesting web page about Numbers.

http://www.northeastmedals.co.uk/mm/...ce_numbers.htm

according to this document the Number allocation was standardized in 1920 and this Number falls into a batch allocated to '' Cavalry of the Line''. further digging .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British..._of_precedence

in this it will be seen that The Royal Armoured Corps and The Royal Tank Regiment are both Cavalry Units.
In your first post you mention that D.K. may have been in the Armoured Corps. that may now be a much better possibility and the fact that he had 2 tapes on would seem to indicate he was a Corporal. as Forces War Records indicate. it might be worthwhile to send for 553140's record as it is the best option that we have so far.
It would certainly be helpful to the guy's if you could post some photographs on here as i know at least 1 of the guy's is an ex Tankie.so he may be able to spot something.
i will keep looking.


ivor