I've found some info from the Canadian Archives. As you can see it says they try to answer in 30 days. I'm hoping we can resolve this before that!
MJP. thanks for the offer of finding out info during your visit tomorrow. I'm happy to cover the costs of the documents and obviously don't want to put you to any expense.
I have no idea what items they can produce etc. so if they don't have pictures then we really will be no further in our research as we have their parents names and service numbers already. Maybe you can just enquire tomorrow as to what records they will supply. I've noticed they accept fax requests so I can fax them with a request if we know they can help...so would be grateful if you could find out if they supply pictures and then we can go from there. I'm hoping some of the people I have emailed will get back to me shortly so maybe we can hold off ordering from the archives for now.
Are there others out there who know more? Besides the info listed below from the archives site, I don't know what else they can provide. MjM, I will PM you about this more.
This is what they have to say:
We try to answer inquiries within 30 days; however, our Personnel Records Unit receives over 2,000 inquiries a month, which can affect response time. Priority service is given to people who require documentation to prove thatthey qualify for pensions, allowances, claims and other benefits.
For projects involving research in a large number of files, the request will be assessed by our staff to determine if current resources can accommodate such an extensive commitment.
How to Send an Inquiry Concerning Your Own or Another Individual's Records
Your request must be signed.
To identify a file, we require surname, full given name(s), date of birth, and service number or social insurance number.
If you do not know the date of birth, service number or S.I.N. (social insurance number), secondary information (e.g., the names of next of kin, postings, dates of service, place of enlistment) can assist in identifying the correct individual.
Consult the section below on Access Restrictions.
Please specify what document(s) you require. If you are doing family history research, we recommend that you request a "genealogy package," which will include copies of selected documents from the file that highlight/summarize the individual's service.
We do not accept e-mail inquiries for these records.
We do not accept e-mail inquiries for these records. Inquiries must be sent by mail or fax.
Your request can be written as a letter or you can print off a blank copy of the Application Form, which should be filled in, signed and sent by mail or fax.
Inquiries should be sent by mail or fax to:
Personnel Records Unit
Library and Archives Canada
395 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0N3
Fax: (613) 947-8456
Caroline
