Trying to find information on my father

Wheelgunner · Number of posts: 5 Registration date: 2008-09-25

Hello.
I'm trying to find information on my father after WW2. His name was Adam Katafiasz, and I know the following:

Until Sept, 1939, in the Polish Army

June 22, 1940 - April 10, 1945: "Employed" by Reichswerke AG for Erzbergbau und Eisenhutten "Herman Goreing", Salzgitter, resident at: camp Altenhagen 28/22

Oct 30, 1948: Employed at the "Civilain Mixed Watchman Service", no place mentioned.

Dec 30, 1949: IRO emigration camp Wentorf

Can anyone give me information on how I find where he was between 1945 and 1948, as well as where he was during his Mojo service, and what he did for them?

Thank you very much for any information.

Paul · Subject: Re: Trying to find information on my father Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:11 am

It is quite possible that he was in a displaced persons camp during those years. A lot of Poles, etc. were in such camps for quite a period of time after the end of the war, for one reason or another.

Where you would find any further information, I personally could not tell you. Maybe someone else on the Forum will be able to help.

As for MSO service, he could have been in any number of places as a driver, guard, or other somesuch occupation. It is a pity that we do not seem to have easily available records for the MSO.

Come on someone - prove me wrong!! I double dare you Very Happy

Paul.

Wheelgunner · Number of posts: 5 Registration date: 2008-09-25

I just found some more information. On his marriage certificate of 1947, it states that he was a Lieutenant residing in Hamburg CMWS Post 697. Does that help?

Paul · Subject: Re: Trying to find information on my father Thu Nov 27, 2008 11:19 am

Wheelgunner wrote:

I just found some more information. On his marriage certificate of 1947, it states that he was a Lieutenant residing in Hamburg CMWS Post 697. Does that help?

CMWS was the Civilian (or Civil) Mixed Watchman Service, a forerunner of the MSO. The post number would have been his station in Hamburg.

I do not know if there are any records/archives on the CMWS or MSO that would give details of personnel etc. although WO 32/19486 contains information on the Civil Mixed Watchman's Service, Civil Mixed Labour Organisation, Mixed Service Organisation and German Service Organisation: recruitment and conditions of service, Covering dates 1946-1959.

Paul.

Wheelgunner · Number of posts: 5 Registration date: 2008-09-25

I'm sorry if I seem ignorant, but what is WO 32/19486? Thanks for the update.

Paul · Subject: Re: Trying to find information on my father Thu Nov 27, 2008 7:55 pm

Wheelgunner wrote:

I'm sorry if I seem ignorant, but what is WO 32/19486? Thanks for the update.

You are not being ignorant, it was my mistake in not giving more detail. The number is a reference on the UK National Archives site to a file about the CMWS.

Unfortunately it cannot be viewed on-line, only in person, and it may not contain any relevant details to your quest.

Paul.

Wheelgunner · Number of posts: 5 Registration date: 2008-09-25

Is there a way I can contact the UK National Archives to have a search done for his name and/or unit?

Paul · Subject: Re: Trying to find information on my father Fri Nov 28, 2008 6:56 pm

Wheelgunner wrote:

Is there a way I can contact the UK National Archives to have a search done for his name and/or unit?

The National Archives do have a research service, but it would work out quite expensive for it to be done, especially if you are unsure of exactly what you are looking for.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/gettingstarted/paid_research.htm

The above page will give you a general idea of costs.

I have found a reference to a file in the Archives about Polish Service Personnel (WO 315/3), although I do not know if it would be of any help to you.

Paul.

Wheelgunner · Number of posts: 5 Registration date: 2008-09-25

Brilliant! (as you folks say). *grin*

Could you give me that reference please?

Also, my e-mail address is wheelgunr@charter.net if you wish to send me any information you might have.

Thank you very much!

Paul · Subject: Re: Trying to find information on my father Sun Nov 30, 2008 2:11 pm

The file I referred to consists of details of:-

Organisation and disbandment of Polish Land Forces, enlistment, verification of ranks, promotions, personnel records and reductions of strength

There may be a reference there to the person you are looking for, but I would not hold my breath. The whole of the section (315) seems to deal with Polish matters, 71 files in total.

An enquiry about MSO records led to two replies. One gave a lead to an agency in the UK, but no joy ther I'm afraid, the other to a possible place in Germany that I will take a look at.

Paul.