R E S E A R C H
(The Man or Woman behind the Medal)
From time to time we get enquiries from our clients in respect of research they require into the service records of South African men and woman.
Both Michael Kaplan and myself immediately agreed that we must introduce you to an old friend, Gordon Bickley, who has been known to us both for at least 30 years, if not more.
We can both highly recommend him.
Rather than sing his praises further we set out hereunder his own introduction together with a full schedule of the services he offers at most reasonable rates.
We trust that you will enjoy this useful service, which comes to you with our compliments.
Sincere Good Wishes,
| Michael Kaplan | David Lonsdale |
November 2006
PLEASE NOTE THAT TO USE THIS SERVICE
YOU NEED TO MAKE CONTACT DIRECT WITH GORDON BICKLEY AT
bickley@telkomsa.net
Military
Service Records for South African Servicemen/Women
My name is Gordon Bickley and I am available to obtain copies of Military Service Records for South African service men and women for the period 1913 to the 1980s, on behalf of medal collectors and others.
As a regular visitor to the South African Defence Force Documentation Centre over the past 20 years I have an intimate knowledge of these military records and what is available plus an excellent working relationship with the Archive staff.
I am a WW2 veteran and have been Secretary of the Military Medal Society of SA since 1976 and accordingly am well grounded in South African Military and Medallic history.
Service records for the South African Defence Force are held at the SANDF Documentation Centre in Pretoria. Records for the South African Constabulary (Boer War and up to 1908) are at the SA National Archives in Pretoria and Bloemfontein.
All other South African military service records, dating before 1913, are held in Britain.
Search fee charges are moderate and each individual service record for WW1 will generally cost from R20-00 to about R80-00, and the same for WW2, depending upon the extent of the record, plus postage and copying at cost.. Full details of the charges and description of service records available are given below.
The approximate value of the exchange rate of the South African Rand to the US$ is $1 = R7.50 and ₤ is 1 = R14
For Further Information and Research Requests
Contact me at E mail bickley@telkomsa.net, phone +27-11-888-5797, snail mail Gordon BICKLEY, 1 Jacqueline Ave, NORTHCLIFF, 2195, South Africa.
Fees for South African Service Military Records
Anglo Boer War Medalje
Anglo Boere Oorlog Medalje Application Forms,
A (DTD), B (ABO), C, (LVW) R50-00 per name (R25/name 3 or more)
WW1 and WW2
Citations - WW1 & 2 and Korea Copying and Postage only - No search Fee
(Of the 4 066 Awards to S Africans listed there are 2 400 Citations available.)
Service Record Cards - WW1 and WW2 R20-00 per name
Service Files WW1 & WW2 R30-00 per name
Medical Files WW1 only R25-00 per name
FURTHER RECORDS
Permanent Force, SAMR & WW2 Officers Files R80-00/hour
(These are often voluminous so are charged at an hourly rate.
They commonly cost between R50 & R80 but can go to R200.)
SANLC Attestation forms and service dates R30-00 per name
South African Constabulary (SAC) R100-00 per name (R50/name for 3 or more)
COPIES & POSTAGE
Added to the above fees, photocopying and postage is charged at cost. Copies 60c/A4, Postage Overseas Air Mail R5 - small letter (8 A4s), R15 - medium letter (35 A4s), R25 - large letter (50 A4s) For further details E mail bickley@telkomsa.net, Post G.T.Bickley, 1 Jacqueline Ave, NORTHCLIFF, 2195, South Africa, Ph +27-11-888-5797
Payment per Invoice on receipt of research.
General Information about South African Military Service Records
South African Military Records commence in 1913
The Union Defence Force was established in 1913 following the creation of the Union of South Africa in 1910. Records held by the SA National Defence Force commence at that date. All previous records, with the exception of the South African Constabulary and the Cape Mounted Rifles (Colonial) (which are held at the Cape Town branch of the SA National Archives) were/are held in Britain at their National Archives.
We understand that many of the records of South African Colonial units for the period up to the 1899-1902 Boer War were destroyed during WW1 in about 1917 when they were possibly contributed for pulping to make new paper which was then in desperately short supply.
Records Available
Anglo Boere Oorlog medals
Application Forms for the 662 DTDs (Vorm A), 13 751 ABOs (Vorm B) and 1 058 Wound Ribbons (LVW) (Vorm C), are available. These contain details of the recipients name, address, rank, unit served in, officers, dates of service, whether taken POW, battles & actions in which took part.
There are no other records for the Boer Forces in the Boer War available.
South African Constabulary 1900 - 1908
Service records for the SAC, HQ, A, B, and C Divisions are in Pretoria, while those for E division are in Bloemfontein.
The service record generally gives name, rank, division served in, dates of service, where recruited and movements.
WW1
Service Cards
In general there is a Service Record Card (200 x 125 mm, dark red, blue or buff sometimes white card). From 1 to about 6 cards pinned together, per individual. This shows name, rank, unit, service number, next of kin - name & address, apparent age (no birth date), campaign medals issued, brief medical details, movements, dates of service. For German South West Africa service there is a white card with brief details, name, rank, unit, dates of service, medals issued, but no service file. Cards filed alphabetically.
Service & Medical Files
There are no files for German SWA service. There are usually, but not always, service and medical files for those who served in the various Imperial Service Units from Sept 1915 onwards. Details from medical files are not normally released, but Killed in Action, Missing or Died of Wounds Certificates from these are available.
Service files normally have attestation form (name, unit number, birth place, religion, height, next of kin, age (no birth date), occupation, previous service (very brief), service record sheets, discharge papers, pay sheets.
Medical files have details of medical examination on attestation, hospitalization and treatment records, brief details of wounds, KIA and Died of Wounds Certificates.
Files are filed alphabetically by surname.
WW2
In terms of the Access to Information Act No 2 of 2002 the release of personal information is restricted. Post WW1 records are vetted by the SANDF Documentation Centre and access to some details, e.g. medical and disciplinary, may be refused.
Service cards
There is a service record card (190 x 120 mm on white card, 1 to 6 or more- cards pinned together). This shows service number, name, next of kin (name & address), date of birth, religion, rank, occupation, dates of service, movements & postings, campaign medals issued.
Service cards are also often (not always) available for those who served in Part-Time (Active Citizen Force units) during WW2 and in the 1920s & 30s before WW2
Cards are filed alphabetically by surname.
Service & Medical Files
Medical Files are not available post WW1. Service files include attestation forms (service number, name, birthplace, date of birth, nationality, occupation, next of kin, home address, physical details, religion. Discharge papers, service record (sometimes), artisan papers, medal application forms (sometimes detailed), Medal entitlement & whether the medals were issued, is on the file cover. Citations are not on file. Air Force & Navy files (not Army) have a detailed service sheet with movements, promotions, etc.
Files are in service number order, not alphabetically..
Other Record
For
further information, contact Gordon
Bickley at addresses previously given.
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