I have recently received both my parents service records from WW2 and I'm very disappointed. My Mum's records do actually state where she was stationed, but some of the reasons she was moved are just numbers. With my Father's records where he is stationed is mostly numbers. They did send a list of common abbreviations with the records but they are no help as there are no numbers only letters. Sorry to put a damper on things but just don't expect too much, or to be able to understand most of the records. I had to wait 10 weeks before I received the records and paid £30 for each application.
Yes, Rosie, some applicants, only get a letter with certain information transcribed, where they are not the authorised applicant.
Ellenmai, you are correct, the postings/musterings; Units and/or Squadrons are abbreviated, usually with an 'Authority Reference'. The Authority Reference related to a standard form or instruction, probably minuted on their file and possibly with further details, all now destroyed we are led to believe.
The lack of a full Abbreviations Key are giving problems for some applicants of these Records.
I have seen recently the result of an application by the entitled person, for her late father's Service record (after her mother died) who served during WW 2 with an RAF number, on research work and immediately post-war until about 1948.
The Post-war part arrived 1945 to 1948 with the usual abbreviations, with a reference to being transferred in 1945 (dated) reference to experience already gained and his old work was ending.
So the daughter has an account of her father's wartime Service from his lips before he and her mother died, but a rather vague answer from our MoD, despite the post-war copy RAF Form sent out confirming that her father had previous Wartime Service.
Some RAF personnel were seconded to Units run by a Civilian firm under official Air Ministry Directorates and TNA, Kew, were saying on their website that files were kept for 100 years.
So yes, some applicants are disappointed with what is received, for the fee.
Post an exact transcription (PM too), or picture image and we'll see if we decipher it.
Regards Mark