MOD Public Consultation on historic records

Discussion in 'The Lounge Bar' started by dbf, Jul 9, 2008.

  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    A friend of mine brought this to my attention, though I'd share:

    Ministry of Defence | Defence News | Defence Policy and Business | Public asked for their views on transfer of historic records

    Dated 7 Jul 08,
    "The Ministry of Defence has launched a public consultation process regarding the transfer of historic Armed Forces Service Personnel records to The National Archives.
    Members of the public are being asked for their views on the process the Ministry of Defence has developed to transfer to The National Archives records of soldiers, sailors and airmen who served in the Armed Forces between the two World Wars and for those who were members of the Home Guard during the Second World War."

    pdf with details:
    http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/C58C6252-8109-4D55-A8B1-1AAFA6F4BAC2/0/transfer_records_tna.pdf
    "Those collections that are in scope for early transfer to TNA include:
    a.
    Approximately 170,000 records for soldiers with dates of birth of 1895 or earlier who served beyond the end of the First World War.

    b.
    Approximately 45,000 records of airmen who enlisted in the Royal Air Force up to 1928.

    c.
    Approximately 4.5 million records of those that enlisted in the Home Guard during the Second World War.

    d.
    Approximately 60,000 cards detailing ratings who enlisted in the Royal Navy from 1924 up to the outbreak of the Second World War."

    Comment form:
    Ministry of Defence | Public Consultation Response


    dbf
     
  2. Rich Payne

    Rich Payne Rivet Counter Patron 1940 Obsessive

    Couldn't they just computerise the records and let some Civil Servant leave a laptop on a train somewhere ?

    It seems a shame that access is restricted because there were thieves and V.D. cases amongst those serving and all most of us want to know are units and postings.

    Personally, I think that there should be a six month period for objections to release of records over sixty years old and if the person or their family don't object then open them.
     
  3. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Couldn't they just computerise the records and let some Civil Servant leave a laptop on a train somewhere ?
    :D:D

    The Aussie archives put ours to shame ...

    And I can't help wondering why we can't at least have all the medal details. Dribs and drabs just doesn't cut it with me at all.

    dbf
     
  4. Paul Reed

    Paul Reed Ubique

    Wonder what this means in terms of WW2 records being released?
     
  5. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From TNA site:


    The MoD has been conducting a review on when they plan to release historical service files (and particularly the WW2 military records). When are we likely to hear the outcome?

    The Ministry of Defence (MOD) undertook a public consultation about the transfer of historical service personnel records to The National Archives between July and September 2008. Following this consultation MOD has decided to go ahead with the plans to transfer to The National Archives as outlined in the consultation proposals. MOD will post an announcement to this effect on their website in the next few days. MOD and The National Archives will now work together to prepare these records for transfer, which will include looking for a commercial partner to scan and index the records so they can be made available online. It is anticipated that the first batch to be processed will be the Second World War Home Guard Papers. The timing of the transfer of these records is contingent on finding a suitable commercial partner to scan them first, but it is estimated that they should start
    to be available from mid 2010 onwards.
     
  6. AndyBaldEagle

    AndyBaldEagle Very Senior Member

    well
    for my two pennyworth, i cant wait! however they do reclose records too..... some time ago I had wanted to look up some high honours, such as CBs, and Knighthoods, for some of my high ranking Airborne chaps, when I went to get the microfiche, I found that the records had been closed as they had added some more modern ones that were under the 30 year rule! I dont know if they have reopened them yet as I havent been to PRO for ages! Must go in the New Year to get my research etc up to date

    Andy
     
  7. TomTAS

    TomTAS Very Senior Member

    Hi All

    I know Andy you said today another place we need to visit again lol just like today.

    Cheers
    Tom
     
  8. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    This is a step in the right direction and welcome news, for those interested in the 4 categories noted in my initial post ... and I am ... but why can't we at least see WW2 Campaign Medal details ...?

    D
     
  9. Paul Reed

    Paul Reed Ubique

    Diane - it's my understanding that there isn't a complete WW2 Medal Roll or equivalent of the WW1 MICs. As men had to claim medals, and many didn't, what there is, isn't complete. I am also led to believe that it includes very little information on the service of the man himself, possibly not even unit! Some time ago I posted an example of a WW2 MIC. I will do so again here over the weekend.

    However, it's good news about the records mentioned above.
     
  10. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Thanks Paul,

    I realise that about WW2 medals having to be applied for, but couldn't even partial / incomplete data provide something that may not otherwise be known, eg theatre served, albeit for even one day?

    What I find 'peculiar' is this. I was able to apply for Seaman's pouch and thereby get details of service for my father's cousin who served with [both IG and] MN during WW2, and also for my uncle who is still alive. I also got info on medals for both men.

    This is what I have for Dad's cousin iro medals [personal details - name, no. and DOB removed, as his sons are not in contact with my family.]

    crop.jpg

    Would be very interested in what other formats there are...

    Regards,
    D
     
  11. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

  12. James Harvey

    James Harvey Senior Member

    I have seen these before I think the circle means ribbon issued and the cross means medals issued. I have seen examples of circles only or crosses only.

    Regards

    James
     

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