Need a copy of the Arty Fire-Plan for "Op Cannonshot" 11th April 45, 1st Cdn Inf Div, River Ijssel. Know all the regts but need the actual Fire-Plan. if anyone can help. All the Cdn arty files at Kew are being copied for a big order, so not avalible for some time. Thanks Rob
I've had 3 seperate conversations over the last 2 days with people trying to get information from Firepower. The consensus was how unhelpful they were in regard to providing any information, so don't hold your breath Rob. An incredible place for documentation and books I've been told, but what's the point if they don't want to help enquirers. Re the files at Kew, that's why I could not get hold of some of the Canadian Arty files on Thursday. A number I've seen are in pristine condition, but did not have any appendicies attached. I wonder if they were taken back to Canada for their own archives.
Wouldn't they lend you a file for half an hour? I've had the same problem with some BEF files in the past but they've lent me them on the understanding that I copied them straight away and gave them back.
Borrow a file, you must be joking. You have to book in advance to get in to the Library and pay for your time there. Not allowed to photograph anything and as for copying, a pain in the butt due to lack of resources and once again you have to pay for every copy from a clapped out machine. The Museum's great, but the Library for research gets a thumb down from me.
I was refering to Kew I've done that too for Kew. They are very helpful when it comes to that sort of thing.
Trouble with Firepower is the lack of funding, the MoD and RAML the civvie organisation running the whole thing, really don't seem to see eye to eye and RAML staff don't even understand the subject. MoD staff their do their best, but are understaffed and underfunded.
It is a real shame that the MOD and RAML don't see eye to eye. Sadly a lot of these facilities which have great records, are also both underfunded and understaffed.
Phil While doing research at Woolwich in the past, Mark/Paul ? told me they do not hold doc's on Cdn Arty AGRA's or Regt's they advised Kew. As 'Cannonshot' was 99.8% Cdn don't think they could help, but might be worth a try if i get stuck, you never know. Rob All the Cdn Files i've seen before are stamped DUPLICATE and have no appx's as you say, so i think you are right in the Cdn's having the originals mate. Andy I did ask, but as i needed 6 files and they were copying all the Cdn Arty Files they did'nt want to know mate, but they were very apologetic. Thing is i'am sure i've seen the Plan last time i was at Kew but did'nt bother as i did'nt think i would need it. What's strange is the last time i was there i was copying the 8AGRA files and they had nothing to do with it!! Think i'am losing it chaps. Thanks all for your help Best Rob
Got the complete Fire-Plan today at Kew (appx 26 pages) from the diary of a reserve regt for the Op the British 68th Medium Regt RA, who were called on from 4AGRA for HB Tasks.3rd Cdn Div A happy bunny now. Best Rob
Rob, Would the information be in the George Blackburn book " Guns of Victory"? I can check later on that. Alternatively, I have a researcher in Ottawa who can probably get you the file. There would be a cost involved. Right now he is working on obtaining the service records for my wife's grandfather. He is charging me $20.00 plus postage. Let me know if you want his contact info. Randy
