PRO Reaserch

[mark franke]

Trying to find someone RELIABLE in the UK to do paid research at Kew archives Boer war and WWI. Having a hard time finding someone reliable. Any suggestions. BTW most fees seem reasonable as the airfare to London to Wash DC in june is about $850.00 (ouch)
Thanks
Mark Franke

[andya]

Hi Mark
Some you can do yourself try:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/militaryhistory/
Personally, I use Jonathan Collins @
http://www.militaryresearchon.com/
I can only speak as I find and I have never had anything other than good service from Mr Collins.
hope this is of some help
Regards
andy

[mark franke]

research

Thanks for the referal. If the one I have now doesnt work I'll try them. I did go to the National Archives about 1 month ago. I spent about four hours and got a ton of info. I still need my relatives service record which you have to get in person.
Hard to do from the USA. Still a great place with a wealth of info,
thanks
again
Mark Franke Faifax, Virginia
USA

[Ciaran Byrne]

Mark, just a word of advice. Was your relative demobbed in 1918 or had he left the Army by 1920? If not, then there is a good chance you will not find it there as their records only go up to 1920. I have found this on a lot of occasions as I live in London and go there quite regularly.
Was he an officer or was he of lower rank. They have all officers records of those who left the forces by 1920. All the others are held by the MOD.

[mark franke]

PRO Kew

Thanks for the advice. All of them demobbed prior to 1920. That is with the exception of my Grandfather who served in the Grenadier Guards til 1929. I obtained his records straight from Wellington Barracks they were wonderful. I went there 10 years ago, last minute. Was invited to have tea with a retired Col Smiley who copied the records and showed me my grandfathers medals. Truely a great day.
Thanks
For all the help from the list
Mark Franke
Faifax, Virginia USA

[leigh kitchen]

Mark, just a word of advice. Was your relative demobbed in 1918 or had he left the Army by 1920? If not, then there is a good chance you will not find it there as their records only go up to 1920. I have found this on a lot of occasions as I live in London and go there quite regularly.
Was he an officer or was he of lower rank. They have all officers records of those who left the forces by 1920. All the others are held by the MOD.

The problems kick in with those who continued in service after (I think) 1922, you can get Medal Index Card details for WWI, etc, but not their service records unless you're next of kin.