RESEARCHING SENIOR OFFICERS

[tamos123]

Hi All

Am I correct in saying that WW1 service papers for those officers who went on to gain higher rank ie General and above in WW2 and beyond would still be available in the PRO?

Not sure if they would come under the WW2 embargo

many thanks

T

[Muerrisch]

In general, the papers of officers who served after c.1920 are not available.

[Jonathan Saunders]

Also some papers of Senior Generals carry a restrictive viewing. For example I think you have to contact Kew and explain a very good reason concerning your research to view someone like Haig or Plumer's file.

[tamos123]

Really I was not aware of that. I suppose it will be a bit hit and miss depending on the officer in question.

Does the PRO have any documented rules around this?

T

[Jonathan Saunders]

Really I was not aware of that. I suppose it will be a bit hit and miss depending on the officer in question.

Does the PRO have any documented rules around this?

T

I've just had a very quick look through Beckett's Guide to WW1 sources at Kew and cant find anything specifically about this. Have you tried looking on their website?

[Guest Simon Bull]

Also some papers of Senior Generals carry a restrictive viewing. For example I think you have to contact Kew and explain a very good reason concerning your research to view someone like Haig or Plumer's file.

I wonder what the logic of this is, unless it is to protect the papers from over use.