Genealogy Chat

I need to use the services of a private researcher to obtain more information about my great grandfather's military service. Can anyone recommend someone who did a good job for them? Thanks Chris

Chris, I know a couple of people. However, can I check that this is WW1 military research you are talking about or even futher back in time? You do know that many WW1 military records were destroyed during WW2 due to bombing don't you and Ancestry is gradually uploading what didn't get destroyed so if you have an ancestry sub, may be worth waiting a while. Cheers, Horatia

Hi Horatia Yes, it's WWI. I am aware of the damage from bombing but am hoping there may be war diaries and medal cards. I know his enlistment papers aren't at Kew as he remained in the army until after 1920. Do you think it would be worth the expense? Chris

Christine, If you go to the National Archives you can read the war diaries for free. I know cos I've done it. As for the medal card, you can download that for the cost of £3.50 if you can find it on the National Archives website. If you need any help finding the medal card, just post a few details of the subject. When I wasn't such an experienced researcher, I paid for some research and was one of the lucky ones. I got my father's records and was satisfied; but now I'm more experienced, I've since been back to the National Archives and downloaded better copies of the records (cos I'm a perfectionist). However, the researcher typed up a report about the records which I did find helpful because not everyone (especially women) always understands the jargon. Cheers, Horatia

Thanks for that Horatia. I'll try and do it independently first. Chris

http://www.1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/ Great web site for ww1

Christine, Do you know what regiment he was in? Not all regiments had war diaries (Labour Corps didnt) or they might not be available. My father was in the Norfolk Regiment at Gallipoli and those were available for the time period. Cheers, Horatia

Thanks for everone's suggestions. I'll get on to them. Hi Diane! Yes, things are quite exciting. I've learned his date of enlistment (1904), when he crossed to France (August 1914) and someone searched last weekend for his enlistment papers at Kew. Unfortunately they weren't there but we suspected they'd be at the MOD. I wanted to try and find what else might be at Kew but can't go myself. Chris

Christine, See what you can get for minimal cost (medal card can be downloaded by you for £3.50) and if you still want some paid researchers to go to Kew, let me know. I know of two. One I paid to do my research and another I know by reputation and he takes people on battlefield tours. Cheers, Horatia

Had a look at the NA site and he isn't there. Never mind. Chris