For the research buffs

[MichaelHarris]

I recently purchased a vintage DOXA military watch from a shop in Canada. A service number and name was engraved on the back. I was told it was issued during WWII. I have no idea how to research service numbers and I'm not sure which country this person served. His name is W.D. Sullivan, the service number is 8971281. Any tips would be appreciated, thanks!

[kickysnana]

1. Struck out but IDs are listed in first link. You just would have to go through a lot of W Sullivan's

I tried here but could not search by the ID# but they are here:
WWII Memorial http://www.wwiimemorial.com/default.asp?page=registry.asp&subpage=search

Social Security Death Index (WWAC IDs are SS#s too bad it isn't the same for men in this case)
http://ssdi.rootsweb.com/

Googled and checked Internment.net
http://www.interment.net/Default.htm

[MichaelHarris]

2. thanks!

I wonder, since I bought the watch from a store in Quebec if it could be a Canadian soldier?

[kickysnana]

3. Makes sense but I haven't done any contemporary Canadian sleuthing.

Ancestors were in Canada in the 1800's. Sorry.

If these databases exist in Canada they would be listed here:
http://www.cyndislist.com/worldwar2.htm

[carpetbagger]

4. Take it with a grain of salt, but...

My guess is United States Navy. Canadian numbers were lower, US Army higher.

[MichaelHarris]

5. that could deepen the mystery

It's a Swiss watch and so far I can't find out if they were sold in the states or in Pacific ports during WWII. I'm sure it would have been available to navel personal in the pacific theater. Did navel personal continue on into Germany after D-Day? Pretty fun research.