BritInParis

You refer to Arthur Alfred Tilbury, born 23 January 1897, the fourth of five boys born to Louis Edward Tilbury and Mary Jane Bell, who served as a Gunner with the 124th Anti-Aircraft Section of the Royal Garrison Artillery and later emigrated to South Africa.

Unfortunately most of the WWI service records were destroyed in a WWII air raid. What are you trying to discover?

Gildies

Wow - that is impressive. Thank you BiP

Most of my family have emigrated or passed on.

I don't have much information or history about my grandfather - where and how long he served in the military.
I believe he was awarded several medals, but haven't managed to track that detail down yet

Are there specific "war records" websites that you would recommend more than others?
Or would they not have anything since you say most records were destroyed in a WWII air raid?

spouse of scouse

anthonys

Hello, and thank you for the very helpful answers.

(1) I am now completing the referee forms. One of the referees is a British citizen who is resident in London. The other referee is a physician. The physician is a resident of the United States of America and is a US Citizen. Will the Home Office accept a referee who lives in the United States?
(2) Three siblings will apply. We will send in the source documents with a covering letter explaining that these are for three applications. We also have various forms to send in separately e.g. each child's own birth and marriage certificates, each child's referee forms. For some forms e.g. referee forms, it may make sense for the referee to send it in directly themselves. What is the best way to send this paperwork in without confusing the case officer/s? Do we mail each item in with an application identifier and a covering letter each time? Or is there another preferred process?

Thanks!

Anthony

BritInParis

Some records - enlistment papers and medal cards - have survived. Any awards for bravery would likely have been gazetted. I’ll see what I can find. His birth certificate is available from the GRO if you don’t have that and would like a copy.

Gildies

Thank you BiP!

Appreciate your efforts

BritInParis

You may need to wait a couple of weeks as I’m about to go on holiday so feel free to remind me.

anthonys

I have applied for British citizenship by double descent (actually my wife applied, but I am handling the paperwork). I completed the online form and sent the supporting documentation (including a passport) in about 6 weeks ago. I have heard nothing since and have received no confirmation of receipt of documents or any indication as to when the passport will be returned. When should I expect to hear from them and when would we get the passport back?

Thanks for your advice!

Anthony

BritInParis

Anyone still waiting for a response on this thread?

anthonys

Thank you!

Our application was successful. We received notification of approval ~3 months after application. We submitted apostilled copies of all documents, which were accepted. The process was straightforward. I am grateful to you and all the others who have posted on this forum.

Best,

Anthony

BritInParis

Glad to hear it! Three months is about par for the course. Congratulations and welcome to the club

Gildies

That's great Anthony - what country did you apply from?

spouse of scouse

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