I don't think this has been mentioned but I'm sure most NA Vets do it: When photographing multiple files use the yellow ticket as a marker at the start of the file when taking pictures. That way when you copy paste them across onto your pc from your camera you can easily identify where the file starts and finishes. See picture below:
Just booked my next trip for Tuesday....I just noticed the Car Parking Payment system is not working yet.
Be prepared for the bleeding fire alarm to inevtiably go off. When it does its probably raining outside so if you take you laptop out with you make sure you have one of TNA's plastic bags to hand!!! I ended up standing next to paddy ashdown in the rain for half an hour last week on TNA's lawn ...
Anyone with any experience with WO 219 related to war crimes? The research guide for Second World War: War Crimes indicates these are subject to a 75 year closure period, though looking at the individual files through Search indicates that all the examples I have looked at are Public Records. A specific example would be WO 219/5047 (Herouvillette - related to another recent thread), which is shown as public. If I manage to make an overseas research trip, I'd hate to find that the record I was interested in was restricted. Much of the same ground is covered in other series like WO 309, but assume it's generally worthwhile to check all the possibilities.
Anyone with any experience with WO 219 related to war crimes? The research guide for Second World War: War Crimes indicates these are subject to a 75 year closure period, though looking at the individual files through Search indicates that all the examples I have looked at are Public Records. A specific example would be WO 219/5047 (Herouvillette - related to another recent thread), which is shown as public. If I manage to make an overseas research trip, I'd hate to find that the record I was interested in was restricted. Much of the same ground is covered in other series like WO 309, but assume it's generally worthwhile to check all the possibilities. I think what I posted on here related to that war crime was in TS26/285 or TS20/285.
Four and a half hour drive to get there this morning setting off at 5am. Just this second got home after taking around 3,500 pictures in nine and a half hours.
Four and a half hour drive to get there this morning setting off at 5am. Just this second got home after taking around 3,500 pictures in nine and a half hours. Andy, I don't know what's crazier. You taking 3500 photos of NA files in one day or me taking photos of 3500 headstones on holiday. Both I suspect.
Was anyone there the other week when it was diversity week? I wasn't too keen on the diversity menu in the cafe - think more diverse than a chicken korma, we're talking jamaican green bean soup and all kinds of wierd dishes. I've never seen the cafe looking so quiet. Everyone was raiding the coffe bar instead :p
Oh...And like Adam I saw Paddy Pants Down. I even had a nosey at what he was researching-I think he maybe writing a book
Although many of the War Crimes Files are duplicated it is always worth looking at anything that makes reference to your interests. At times I get the impression that some file descriptions are given by people who's first language is not English. A file may be closed that you are interested in before you visit, but you can always ask for it to be opened. If refused you can appeal. In recent years there have been numerous files opened in the war crimes series; especially WO309. Some of these contain just a few pages that look as though they were originally left out of other Files. The WO 219 file you mention is an Adjudant Generals file that refers to enquiries into the shooting incident and those such as WO309-310 & 311 refered to are JAG. Files which look to gather information on War Crimes for possible trial. The entry for the file itself is the one to take notice of regarding whether it is open or closed. Research guides are from time to time updated when necessary. Brian Anyone with any experience with WO 219 related to war crimes? The research guide for Second World War: War Crimes indicates these are subject to a 75 year closure period, though looking at the individual files through Search indicates that all the examples I have looked at are Public Records. A specific example would be WO 219/5047 (Herouvillette - related to another recent thread), which is shown as public. If I manage to make an overseas research trip, I'd hate to find that the record I was interested in was restricted. Much of the same ground is covered in other series like WO 309, but assume it's generally worthwhile to check all the possibilities.
Another issue with the WO 219-series is that many of the files consist of prints from microfilm. Many of these prints are blurry and/or fading and can be impossible to read. It's especially difficult to make copies of them as the quality is too bad. The original SHAEF archive is deposited in the US at NARA. Lee
There was only one WO 219 File that I need Lee. Although it was very smudgey and over exposed my digital copy is still quite useable. I could imagine that there would be problems when photocopying though.
I'll be at the NA tomorrow, so if you recognise me from the mugshot in my profile page, give me a nudge. I'll be in the 1st floor reading room using a desk with a camera stand by the windows.
Best of luck with your visit Rob. I am working in the Richmond/Kew area a couple of days a week at the moment but can't get away during the day for a quick visit to TNA. Mike
There was only one WO 219 File that I need Lee. Although it was very smudgey and over exposed my digital copy is still quite useable. I could imagine that there would be problems when photocopying though. Yes it does tend to be pot luck with WO 219, many are quite useable and will photograph well but others are as good as useless or borderline cases. Don't know if TNA have the original microfilm but it would help greatly if they made new copies from it as many of the old bromide prints are fading away.
