SOLDIERS PAPERS A PERSONAL VIEWPOINT

On the 11th November 1996 the first release of soldiers papers took place at the Public Record Office. These are coded WO364. They represent approx 8% of men who joined the army before and during World War One. I was looking at papers that day and have formed some opinions that I'd like to pass on, whats there ,whats not there and some tips on how to cut down on the slog factor when researching, you can seriously help yourself, considering there are 4500 reels of microfilm any edge you get is worth it. I have had many enquiries from people asking me to trace relatives. Although I 'm happy to advise, I'm now not prepared to look up things for people at the PRO as it's becoming an avalance!!. I can advise, and I can also recommend a good researcher who is experienced and reasonable, his e.mail link is at the bottom.

Following on from this WO363, the burnt papers have been released. These are the papers that were barbecued in 1940. there are reackoned to be only 35% of papers left. But there are still enough boxes to fill 31/2 Acres of shelving!!!!!. These papers are currently being microfilmed, and are steadily being released, it pays to check on the PRO website for availability.

Stop press as of 111th May 2002 there are papers from the Burnt collection to every surname bar H and G's

WHATS NOT THERE

I'm afraid if you are looking for men killed in action, this release of papers does not appear to hold any details of these men. Although in the WO363 Burnt papers series there are the papers of men killed, the condition of the papers isn't as bad as the title burnt papers suggest.

From My own estimates, about 10% of men who served have papers in the WO364 section and about 35% in the WO363 section, still worth a punt.

WHAT'S THERE!
I have mainly looked at men from certain regiments that I collect medals from. My success rate has been around 45%. the information given is usually medical in nature which is great for me as I earn my living in this field. Most of the information relates to pension claims and disabilities, so good detail about the wound, treatment and soldiers account of how he got it appear frequently.  The WO 363 papers often contain the briliant B103 form listing movements, also int he case of casualties there are some details of the relatives of the familiy for the issue of the death plaque. Some of the older papers show similar details to the South Africa papers, as do some of the newer ones. Some papers are very complete with 20-30 sheets, some have one only. On the whole these papers really are worth the hard slog for the ones you do find, some of the disciplinary accounts are excellent. After poughing through many reels I have formed some opinions on those you are more likely to have success with.Men who attended a medical board of some description in the pursuit of a pension.