My Grandfather, Howard Dawson Atkin, was an Australian who flew fighters in the 809 squadron off the HMS Stalker in WWII. He died in 1990. All his medals and war photos were donated to a club in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and have been lost. Does anyone know how I can find out which medals he received and access his service record? I can't find any information about him anywhere. I would like to collate some information for my father for his 60th birthday. Thanks. Cate.

Was he in the Royal Navy or Royal Australian Navy? - I presume the latter.

In which case, see the following link:

http://www.navy.gov.au/Service_Records


If he was in the Royal Navy, then service records of WW2 officers are closed, but information can be provided by the Ministry of Defence to their next of kin (for a fee). For officers who have died contact:

The Directorate of Personnel Support (Navy)
Navy Search
TNT Archive Services
Tetron Point
William Nadin Way
Swadlincote,
Derbyshire
DE11 0BB.
Tel: 01283 227 910/911/912/913
Fax: 01283 227 942
Email: navysearchpgrc@tnt.co.uk


Was he an officer or a rating? If a commissioned officer, his career can be traced through the Navy Lists.

I have now found in a late war Navy List.

He was commissioned 25 March 1944 as a Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. He was appointed to 809 Squadron on 23 November 1944.

see:

http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Squadrons/809.html

and also:

http://www.royalnavyresearcharchive.org.uk/ESCORT/STALKER.htm

Thank you so much PhiloNauticus. That is very helpful. I am so grateful. Best wishes, Cate.