adv pls!-would like to order service docs?

[Vida]

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

[J.A.M.]

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.

[cosmac]

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

[Vida]

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  !!

Vida

[JDC]

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

[Vida]

Hello JDC

Thank you - all information gratefully received!! Overall I think it will be money well spent, (just need to pursuade other half that! )

Vida

[J.A.M.]

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.

[JDC]

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

[chinakay]

If I had waited 20 years

A mere 20 years...ah, the impetuosity of youth....