The Indian National Archives - Abhilekh-Patal.in - Recent Updates

813 pages screenshot.....60 pages actioned so far, and 767 service numbers added to my database. At this rate, I could add a further 10000+ service numbers.....OK, a high number of the records are difficult to read, so at a reserved 60-70% accuracy, that's 6-7 thousand service numbers added. Genius.

 

Could well be identical! Maybe worth a quick check though, as in a few cases I've found a striking disparity between the 'British' and 'Indian' copies of a file. For 6th (British) Bde HQ the copy at TNA is better - typewritten with multi-colour sketch maps, whereas the Indian Archive one for the same dates is partly hand-written and omits some details, with blurry monochrome copies of the maps. For 5/8 Punjab the UK copy is incomplete making the Indian copy far superior. Some diaries are also collated differently for some reason - the TNA copies tend to be strictly split by year, whereas the Indian ones span seasons and campaigns.

I was able to get 14/12 FFR, which is completely missing from TNA as far as I can determine. Also turned up copies of a few minor unit diaries that I was after (like mule and GPT coys) that similarly never seem to have made it back to the UK.

For years I've been looking for a particular Indian Div CRA file that is 'Missing At Transfer' from TNA and unavailable from the RA museum archives... I'd given up on it but now have a vague hope that a copy is lurking in the Indian Archives and may eventually be uploaded. Also great to be able to access original source documents on subjects like the Independence movements and the INA. What an amazing resource it is!

 

I think you could well be right PackRat, but I'm experiencing a slight reluctance to dive in there that much................not sure what it is!!

 

It's not the best organised but you have to admire the sheer guts and drive to get so much stuff digitised and shared openly. Feels like what the web was really designed for.

They've OCRd everything so you can try searching for place names or operations then sift through the pages of results if you've got enough spare time and patience for the chaos. Seems I rarely find things directly but stumble over something unexpected on the way.

 

Yes, they are updating files EVERY DAY.. overnight they posted the ORB of 1 (indian wing) RAF (1920-1939) and the ORBs of 1, 2 and 10 Squadron RIAF. The 2 Squadron ORB had four months missing from the UKNA copy, and 10 Sqn ORB had two months that were missing from UKNA.. so its worth taking a second look at every document.

The amount of RAF stuff available is also mind boggling. I posted this list over at RAFcommands today
355 Sqn and 356 Sqn - Sortie Planning and Assessment Reports [IndNA] - RAFCommands Forums

This is of RAF interest - but an example of stuff that is not found in the UKNA - these are sortie files related to 355 and 356 squadrons that flew in SEAC. what would have been a paragraph in the Form 541 in an ORB are represented by a full dossier in these links.

One raid over a target is represented by several aerial photographs of bombs exploding, damage assessments maps based on the photographs. Target orders, crew rosters, weight and balance documents for each aircraft - right down to the number of .5 caliber bullets they were carrying, signals , after action reports.. I haven't seen such files before.

 

Hehe yes I had that experience too. You search for one thing and something else turn up

Like I searched for at Operation Zipper "Cover Story"

Found an Operation Zipper "Lover Story"

 

I've looked, and looked, and looked, to no avail. If anyone comes across any parachute training jump lists/nominal rolls, please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

John.

 

I recall seeing a couple related to para training

Not big lists but a letter saying half a dozen Indian soldiers completed the para training and would they be allowed to wear the para badge?

 

Here is why it makes it difficult to search! Does this unit move furniture or just shoot it up?

 

Well we all know the Indian Army was special with many special units mate