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Before they were transferred from the MOD, I understand that if someone requested (and paid) for, say, their grandfather's records, someone would physically go through filing cabinets (or similar) to find the relevant file and get it copied so that a reply could be sent to the person who requested the information. 

I know that all the files have now been transferred to the National Archives where they are being catalogued and scanned - and that it's an enormous task that will take years (probably) - but does anyone know exactly how they're working through them?  For example, if they haven't catalogued/scanned grandad's records when someone applies, do they simply reply that they've got no record, or do they check both the scanned and unscanned records before replying?  If you see what I mean 

Thanks for any info you can offer.
STG

I have two photos of, allegedly, the same man, b. 1897 - on the group photo, he's the man far left holding the horse's rein. 

1.  Do you think they're the same man?
2.  Does the RN one look pre-WW1, please?
3.  Can anyone identify the regiment of the man in the group photo, please?

Thanks
STG

Would anyone like to hazard a guess as to the date shown here, please?

Thanks
STG

Two questions, if I may, please :

1.  If a man was serving before August 1920 (when the new numbering system for all regiments came into effect) say, as Private 12345 in Regiment X, he wouldn't have kept his "original" 12345 service number would he?

2.  Assuming the answer to Q.1 is "No", when regiments began using the new numbering system (from the allocation issued by the MOD), did they all allocate numbers in the same way?  I mean, did they, allocate the first number in the series to, say, the man with the longest service, or did they, say, start with the WOs/sergeants and work down through the ranks?  Or did each Regiment do it their own way (whatever that was)?

I hope this makes sense!

Thanks
STG