1939 Register up and running

[Aniseed]

Just a thought for those people who have unexpected mystery extra people in their households, perhaps they were evacuated children. I've just found my grandmother with her children living at the address they were evacuated to during the Phony War. She went too because her youngest was still a baby. But older children would have been by themselves, and would be redacted because they'd be assumed to be still alive now.

[MagicMirror]

I’m having mixed results with this.

Like others, I am disappointed that more information is not available.

I am looking for my father (b1917, d1993).  I now understand that, because he died after 1991, his record will be closed.

However, he does not come up in the name search and, as I have no idea at all where he was living or who with, I am afraid that I will not be able to find him.

Am I right in assuming this, or is there another way?

If you have a look here it sounds as if they will search for someone for you if you can provide enough additional information along with the death certificate

http://www.findmypast.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/answer/what-if-i-notice-an-officially-closed-record-in-the--register-that-i-believe-should-be-open

[Moonstar36]

a bit disappointed with 1939 register.

Searching for people I have correct names and dates for doesnt always bring up even though full names listed on entries.

People who I know are dead since they are my parents and uncles and aunts are redacted! So where I was hoping to see my Mum and dad...I now have to prove they are dead! You have to submit a death certificate!


I completed an error report in one case where wrong details were showing and it returned an error ...tried several times  and still not enabling error report to be submitted.

The idea of 'unlocking' the household is a pretty expensive one ...so am looking back at my tree and trying to decide who to go for.... but as its wartime if family is split in locations...I shall use that up pretty damn quick!

Only plus so far.... checking various names am able to check back with my tree and get an idea if people were still alive at that time, whether they may have married or where they maybe..so could be useful as another source of simply attempting to track people down...but very hit and miss.

I did however find out the name of my grandmothers 'lodger' who used to bring us the 'seconds' - thick chocolate blocks/ toffee bits (similar to Crunchie bars) from Rowntrees factory on a Friday night and also who supposedly couldn't find my grandmothers wedding ring when my Mum went up to arrange the funeral etc...!!


Had high hopes .... but hope can find more..

1921 census seems such a long way off! .. : )

[Inicky]

Just a thought for those people who have unexpected mystery extra people in their households, perhaps they were evacuated children. I've just found my grandmother with her children living at the address they were evacuated to during the Phony War. She went too because her youngest was still a baby. But older children would have been by themselves, and would be redacted because they'd be assumed to be still alive now.

what was the 'phony war'

[carol8353]

Just a thought for those people who have unexpected mystery extra people in their households, perhaps they were evacuated children. I've just found my grandmother with her children living at the address they were evacuated to during the Phony War. She went too because her youngest was still a baby. But older children would have been by themselves, and would be redacted because they'd be assumed to be still alive now.

I have a found a 20 year old lodger (who must have died before 1991) with my great aunt and uncle.
I was expecting just the 2 of them.

[coombs]

I am a bit annoyed that I just paid for a month sub, went to get the details of my grans half brother then found the 1939 register household is only viewable by pay as you go and you have to pay £24 for just 5 households. There is always a catch, always.

[smudwhisk]

I don't think it has been mentioned, I gather changes of addresses should show up on the original pages.  If yes, do they show a date for the change or just the addresses please?

My Dad is interested in knowing when they went to Devon and when they returned.  Although only his mother will show, if the dates aren't included, there isn't really much point getting a copy of the full document as the only other thing of interest on it is an additional redacted person which obviously won't be viewable.

[rosie99]

The idea of 'unlocking' the household is a pretty expensive one

You can still get a rough idea as to who was in the household apart from the redacted ones by just searching the reference number and playing with the results.  When you select the preview it shows the (e.g) Smith  Household at the top but if not the end numbers in the reference should follow on.

So far I have not unlocked any but have managed to put my households together apart from the redacted people though so far I know who they are too. 

[smudwhisk]

I am a bit annoyed that I just paid for a month sub, went to get the details of my grans half brother then found the 1939 register household is only viewable by pay as you go and you have to pay £24 for just 5 households. There is always a catch, always.

The issue of the cost has been heavily discussed on RC, and other places, since the announcement last Wednesday.  You can pay for just 1 household but its £6.96.