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Research in Other Countries => Canada => Topic started by: Vida on Sunday 14 February 10 12:46 GMT (UK)
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Hi,
Just wondering if anyone has obtained photocopies of service records from the Library & Archive Canada? What sort of information is in it ?? Are they easy to get and how much approx does it cost (depends on the number of pages???I think I read up to 100??).
I would like to get photocopies of my ggrandad's records - he was from County Durham but joined the Canadian Army in 1916 at the age of 41. He has me really puzzled at the moment & I am wondering if the information in this file might throw some light. (infact would like the file just because its about him!!).
Any comments or information would be most welcome.
Vida
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Hi Vida,
It's very easy to get Canadian WWI military documents. From past experience the LAC asks for a C$40 deposit with the unused balance returned to you with your order.
They also have a genealogy package which is cheaper & eliminates the soldiers paybook etc.
If you want the free bare bones you can go to LAC & download a copy of the mans attestation papers which gives place of birth, place of residence, next of kin, physical description etc.
Simply go to
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/index-e.html
and search soldiers name.
Good hunting.
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In early Dec 2009 I ordered documents of husband's great uncle. His service was from July 1918 to July 1919. The file was approx. 22 pages and they charged the credit card $12.71. Documents included:
proceedings on discharge, list of discharge documents, copy of will, record of his movements during service, casualty form, particulars of recruit, dental history forms entering and one one departing military, discharge certificate, medical history sheet, medical examination on leaving military, 7 pages pay documents.
I had the file before Xmas.
Debbie
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Hi, J.A.M and Debbie,
Thank you both for your replies.
J.A.M - What an excellent site - thank you.
Debbie - WOW, you got loads!! I just wish we hadn't lost so many records here (UK) due to bombing. This is the first relative I've managed to find WW1 records for and only because he joined the Canadian Army!
It definitely seems worthwhile ordering this file - so I will ;D!!
Vida
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Hi Vida,
I did same as Cosmac for several of my g-uncles who went overseas to fight in WW1 and got similar info. I even got the records showing pay payments sent to my g-grandmother here in Canada. The content of the service files do very from person to person and LAC charges per sheet sent - I think around 25c Cdn/sht. The leaast amount I paid was around $7 and the most around $16Cdn. When I first started ordering the service records I did not have to make a deposit first. You can order them online too.
Hope this helps,
JDC
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Hello JDC
Thank you - all information gratefully received!! Overall I think it will be money well spent, (just need to pursuade other half that! ) :D
Vida
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It's great to see that some things come down in cost over the years. If I had waited 20 years I could have saved about $30.
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Good morning Vida,
Just thought I would mention to you that there is other military info on the LAC website: http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/lac-bac/search-recherche/anc.php?Language=eng. I particularly like the war diaries that gave me info of where my ancestors fought during WW1. I also found reference on the links to the cemeteries where they are buried overseas for the ones that didn't return. I found this additional info a very good compliment to their services files.
Cheers,
JDC
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If I had waited 20 years
A mere 20 years...ah, the impetuosity of youth.... ;D ;D ;D
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JDC
Another thank you!! I have just had a look at the site - there is so much! I can't believe i missed it. Hopefully will find more on relatives but have to say I am finding it just a generally interesting site! :D
Vida
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Pleased I spotted this I have a rellie (also from Co Durham) who joined the Canadian Army. Now I can order his service records.
Cheers
Jay
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Well that's that done, now where's the postman LOL :D
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Jay
So jealous!! - Still working on OH!
When you get the records would you mind letting me know how many pages,what info you got and approx how much it cost??
I also see you have Hamsterley rellies - my lot came from there too!! :D
Vida
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Hi Vida
No probs, will let you know.
Mine signed up 3/5/1915 & was KIA 2/3/1916 so not sure how big a file he'll have.
Jay
PS what are your Hamsterley names?
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Jay,
Thanks.
How sad - KIA in less than a year :(.
My Hamsterley names include Spence, Atkinson, Hodgson. I'm sure one of mine married a Race but can't find it at the moment!
Vida
PS if you are interested in the CEF another very kind rootschatter gave me this link
http://www.cefresearch.com/phpBB2/index a research group all about the CEF. You may be able to find more info.
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Thanks Vida, will check that out.
I've got Hodgson's in the tree too from around that area, tho they're proving difficult as like the Race's there's so many of them, mostly with the same names!
Jay
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Hi Vida,
Thx for the link, hadn't seen that one before,
JDC
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if you are interested in the CEF another very kind rootschatter gave me this link
http://www.cefresearch.com/phpBB2/index a research group all about the CEF. You may be able to find more info.
I tried the link and it wouldn't work as is so if it didn't work, try this:
http://www.cefresearch.com/phpBB2/index.php
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Jacquie
Thanks for that - not sure what happened when I copied the link - sorry all!!
Vida
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Just to let you know i've received the service record I ordered in the post today (22 pages) ;D
It's dated 7/4/2010 & cost $16.15 of which $7.00 was postage. My credit card has been charged £10.83 so it's worked out about 49p per page & as my local Archives charge 50p for printouts i'm happy with the cost.
Cheers
Jay
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Hi Jay,
Thanks for letting me know, again I am so jealous!! It does sound quite reasonable - no more than the local archives as you say. I ordered mine on 28/2 so it looks like i've got a while to wait :P. Oh well, they will get here when they do. Patience is a virtue etc.....
Hope you got lots of interesting info.
Vida
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Hi everyone,
I was at Library and Archives Canada last week looking at WW1 files...was very exciting :)
The librarians told me they get over 1600 requests a month, but they try their best to get the requests out in 30 days.
For WW11 files, the are currently working on November requests.
Karen
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Blimey Karen 1600 requests a month :o :o
Going off the dates on this thread Vida ordered hers 10 days after mine so shouldn't have to wait too much longer for them :)
Jay
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Good afternoon,
I have ordered a number of service records files from the LAC and despite the number of requests they get, I have never waited more than a couple of weeks fo get my order :-) It shouldn't too long of a wait for you now.
JDC
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Yippee !!! the service records I ordered have arrived!! ;D ;D ;D I am so pleased as I thought they would be delayed because of the ash cloud affecting airmail.
Sooo interesting!! There are 48 pages including a copy of my rellies temperature chart from when he was in hospital with influenza in early 1918!!
Vida
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Hi Vida,
Glad to hear your ancestor's service records' delivery was not delayed. Some of the records are quite thick and have stacks of good info. It sounds like yours is one of those. Happy reading.
JDC
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Yippee !!! the service records I ordered have arrived!! ;D ;D ;D I am so pleased as I thought they would be delayed because of the ash cloud affecting airmail.
Sooo interesting!! There are 48 pages including a copy of my rellies temperature chart from when he was in hospital with influenza in early 1918!!
Vida
Pleased to hear yours has arrived Vida, now i'm jealous of your 48 pages :D Tho mine signed up 3/5/1915 & was KIA 2/3/1916 so I guess it depends on the length of service.
Jay
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Thanks JDC & Jay,
I am chuffed with my 48 pages - although alot did relate to his pay!
Happy research
Vida