L’s mother requested her husband’s war record three years ago. It’s just been received 18 months after she died.
Regrettably, L’s request for his uncle’s records, sent six months after the first, is still awaiting a response … frustration.
The backlog could be significantly shortened, leading to more timely responses. A collaboration with LAC to digitize all WW2 service files, ensuring that only those beyond the 110-year after-birth or 20 years after-death embargo period are released online, could be a mutually beneficial solution. LAC has previously worked with FamilySearch, Ancestry and perhaps others to make records available. Why not again?
Staffing shortage due to budget cus have always been a problem. It takes a long time to scan often fragile paper, esp if the member was in service from the beginning of the war. Should/could co-lab be promoted fir this project – like British home children?
I have a close DNA match in the Netherlands born 1945 who may be the child of one of my great uncles. There were 4 brothers, all deceased now, who served in the Canadian Forces in WW2. Having access to their service files could help clear up the mystery.
A collaboration with Ancestry or FamilySearch definitely seems like a good idea…
Thanks John. It seemed outrageous to us. Cheers, BT
I guess I got lucky! I requested my uncle’s service file (for my cousin) four years ago. I finally received it in February, three months before my cousin died.
I couldn’t agree more John. My biggest fear is that by the time I get access to the relevant WW II war diaries and personnel records I am seeking, I will have passed on or will not be fit enough to properly correlate the information to pass it on in a useful form and my children have no interest in doing the detailed research required to preserve their ancestors’ history. A chapter of life lost because of needless bureaucracy!