Question about the 1939 census

[GingerVicky]

Hi there,
I was just wondering why some people's records on the 1939 census were closed. I found my grandmother but my grandfather's record was closed. He died later in 2001. Don't know if that makes a difference.
Thank you in advance.
Vicky

[rosie99]

You may find this useful 
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/1939-register/

[GingerVicky]

Thank you for that.
According to that information he should be on there as it is 100 years after he was born. (He was born in 1905) and he is definitely dead. My dad reckons he was a spy!! haha.

Also if I can see someone's record on the 1939 census does it mean they are definitely dead? as my dad had a cousin who he lost touch with and didn't know if she'd died recently.
Thanks
Vicky

[Girl Guide]

In theory all the records that you can see on the 1939 are those of deceased persons.  However there are some that slip through the net and appear even though they are still alive.

Find My Past are gradually working their way through the death records and opening up the closed records.

If you can see your dad's cousin on the 1939, then she is deceased.  You could try searching the death records to verify that.  Depends on whether you know where she lived, her date of birth or year of birth and also if the surname is very common.

[GingerVicky]

I know her date and place of birth but can't find a death record. It may have been quite recently that she died.

[Girl Guide]

Do you know where she lived?  You could try searching local newspapers obituary notices to see if she appears on any of them.

I know there are places where you can go and search death records post 2006 but I can't remember where they are.  I know one is in London but not sure where.

[GingerVicky]

Thank you. I will keep searching.

[macwil]

. . .
I know there are places where you can go and search death records post 2006 but I can't remember where they are.  I know one is in London but not sure where.

There is a list of places were indexes may be viewed for free HERE You'll need to scroll down to find them.

[Girl Guide]

Ah, thanks Macwil.  I knew there was a list somewhere!    Just couldn't remember where 

I'll make a note of those and keep them on my computer.