Some questions about the 1939 register....

[clairec666]

Been learning loads from the 1939 register since I've had unlimited access to it, but have found some unexplained things too....

1) How were deaths recorded on the register? Findmypast's FAQs say something about a "D-code" being added to the register when someone died, but I'm yet to find this on any of the images I've looked at.

2) Some people have been crossed through entirely in red ink, presumably at a later date. What does this mean? I've found one of my relatives crossed through, and I can't find her in the death index at all, so I'm wondering if these facts are connected. Perhaps she died abroad?

3) One female relative married in the 1950, but her married name was never recorded on the register. Is it possible her record was never updated? I've gone back and checked my facts, and I'm 100% sure she married.

Any other puzzles you've found, feel free to share them here

[Guy Etchells]

1) The "D" codes were on the right hand page not visible to us.

2) The alterations may be in different colours, I have seen surnmaes changed by marriage in blue, light green, or even black, surnames changed otherwise light green. Corrections seem to be in red.
One thing I have noted is the colouring is not consistent throughout the register.

3) Was there any reason for her change of name to be noted. For example did she change doctors?
Many records were simply not updated.

There are also cases where the record has been struck through and a note to go to page x added.

Cheers
Guy

[ScouseBoy]

Surely, the thing is,  there was not one register.  Each Borough or district  would have its own local register.  Some offices responsible for the register between 1939 and 1945  would have been very busy and overworked.  parts of London and other big cities such as Liverpool

[clairec666]

Thanks Guy, that's really helpful. Re. point 2 - the entire row is crossed through in red ink, no alterations are made to the surname, and I wondered what the significance of this was. I've seen a few others where it says "go to page..." but there wasn't for this lady.

I've found some really useful records so far, found out where several people died who I'd lost track of after 1911. But it's created a few mysteries too.... Found a possible bigamist already today!

[Milliepede]

I'm quite baffled by it particularly why certain records are closed and why some are open.  I've found some for people who have died open and others who died many years before them still closed.  Just don't get what the rule is   

[clairec666]

I'm quite baffled by it particularly why certain records are closed and why some are open.  I've found some for people who have died open and others who died many years before them still closed.  Just don't get what the rule is 

The rule is, if they were born over 100 years ago, or their death has been proved, the record is open. If the details in the 1939 register don't correspond with an entry in the death index, it's possible the record won't have been opened yet.

[Milliepede]

Thank you I can understand the 100 years bit but what does it mean by "death has been proved" - they left a will?

I can see the records for my mother and mother in law but not for father in law who died several years before either of them.  His name appears in the England and Wales death index. 

[Jebber]

Do read the FAQS, all the answers can be found there.

Extract from their FAQS.

We're working on cross referencing our death records with the Register in order to open more records. In addition, we'll be running weekly updates that open the records of everyone who passes the 100 year threshold.

If you buy a household and a person in that household's record opens up after the 100 year limit, you'll be able to see that record at no additional cost.

Proven means a certified copy of the death certificate.

Jebber

Jebber

[Milliepede]

Thank you Jebber.  Pot luck then really if someone born less than 100 years ago shows up or not.