WW1 records destroyed WW2 query

[tj_]

Hi all,

I'm probably not going to be very concise about this question!

I'm aware that some (many) WW1 records were destroyed in WW2.

While browsing other posts, I've noticed replies along the lines of 'they're not available on-line yet'.

Is it known (roughly) what records were destroyed?

I'm trying to imagine the civil service at the time  (I'm thinking 'Yes, Minister!') Wouldn't everything have been filed alphabetically? So all records (within that alphabetical section) would have been lost? Or maybe they were filed by geographical region.

However, I've found the medal index card for one grandfather but cannot find him in any other record - service or pension.

Should I give up drinking & smoking in order to live long enough with the hope that the records may become available, or just accept they were destroyed? Is there anyway of knowing?

Tim

[forester]

Hello Tim,

Accept it and enjoy life. 

The surviving records have been available at the National Archives on microfilm for some time.
It is only Ancestry making them available on line, which is a protracted process, to say the least, that is creating the suspense and near hysteria. 

Phil

[tj_]

Phil,

Thanks for your reply.

As a newbie to this, I've not yet visited Kew.

I've found a medal index card that I'm happy belongs to my rellie - If I go to NA, what is the likely 'type' of info I will find?

I don't want to appear a 'light-weight' but time is precious and I would like to have some idea of likely result before I make the commitment to go (I'm my father's carer and don't have much spare time). Will I find out where, exactly, he served etc? I'm trying to find (as a 'side line' to my genealogy research) as much info as I can about my father's father.

Tim

[cathyaus]

Hi Tim
 The Service Records that I have for my husband's grandfather for WW1 shows:
 
Attestation Paper - details of when they signed up - showing age, address, occupation.
Medical Page - giving height, weight, distinct marks, illnesses/injuries

Protection Certificate & Certificate of Identity - shows regiment, unit,  address for pay, Theatre of War entered, Place of Enlistment.

Casulty Form - showing illnesses & injuries

Conduct form - showing reprimands & punishments awarded

Promotions sheet (not sure of the exact name of the sheet - Service Record is one of the "Burnt" Records)

Military History Sheet - showing dates from & to (ie; movements from place to place)

Even though the Service Record that I have is burnt & a lot is not legible - I have still been able to get some information & facts that I didn't know about. I think it is worth having the Service Records.

Hope this has been of some help to you.
Cathy (in Australia)

[tj_]

Thanks Cathy,

Would appear to be pretty much the same as pension records then.

Tim.