Air Historical Branch

I blame “Who Do You Think You Are?”.

I get the impression that this is not necessarily in response to tight budgets but, more a desire to cash in on what is becoming – if not here already – the public’s demand for, and interest in, our recent military history.

Thanks Andy, good to know I haven’t completely lost the plot.

I shall keep a weather eye on TNA’s website for more.

Jeff

No. The casualty files are being released this year.

Seeing this thread, it twanged a distant neuron that I had seen a post either here or elsewhere about a year ago that the AHB were running a consultation with various groups over the release of accident cards/reports to TNA. This was backed up by a press release or other official notification. Of course, now that I come to look for it I can’t find anything.

Does this ring any bells, or have I simply gone completely crackers? It would certainly be a step forward for researchers – assuming all the DPA requirements can be met.

Yours,

Doolally of Tunbridge Wells

No idea of the details, Matt.

I wouldn’t be surprised, since the MOD now charge next of kin for a copy of a Record of Service I believe.

Are they charging kin of casualties, as well?

RE: Air Historical Branch

Hi John

I did get good info from the AHB and I keep asking these types of questions in order to get a better understanding of where my next source of information is going to be. ie after getting an AM1180 and AM78 then consulting various books and newspapers etc what then can be done to get more info and it would seem that the AHB is that next step. But I only really wanted to know what kind of info I could find there to know what I could request.

Thanks to all for your info.

Interesting website John

regards Scott

RE: Air Historical Branch

Merlin

We have spoken re this subject recently

Info regarding this small department at RAF Bentley Priory can be found on

http://splashdown2.tripod.com/HandleyPageHastingsTG579/id17.html

It tells you how many kilometres of classified and declassified material lies on their shelves. Pleased to hear someone got some information from them.

John

RE: Air Historical Branch

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 17-01-03 AT 08:44 AM (GMT)]Hi Merlin,

The AHB holds all the records yet to be transferred to the PRO. These range from modern to 100 year retained documents. They also have the cross indexed casualty information.

Since these are classified documents a serving officer/civil servant will examine the records on your behalf and (at the discretion of the MOD) reply with an edited version of the record.

Generally I have found if you show you have researched your question then you are more likely to have a reply. However as they may have released all the info to the PRO as Kev35 discovered they may not be able to tell you more on you question.

Large multi question requests are less likely to get a positive reply.

From the (MOD)RAF Web site:

“Air Historical Branch (RAF)
The Air Historical Branch (RAF) is a small working department of the UK Ministry of Defence. It seeks to maintain and preserve the historical memory of the RAF and to develop and encourage an informed understanding of RAF and air power history by providing accurate and timely advice to Ministers, the RAF, other government departments and the general public. The Branch is not a public record depository, but maintains a substantial archive of classified policy and operational documents, which are normally declassified after thirty years and transferred to the Public Record Office. The Branch also holds an index of RAF casualties from 1939 onwards, aircraft accident record cards dating from the inter-war years, and a photographic archive.

Air Historical Branch (RAF), Building 266, RAF Bentley Priory, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 3HH”

There is a similar section for Naval Historical Branch (RN) which deals with FAA but again the PRO and FAAM have copies of most of their documents.

Regards
Ross

RE: Air Historical Branch

Thanks Kev

I actually had help from them before via a letter. It was when I first started research and wanted to know how to research aircraft losses and airfields. So I knew they did this but for this guy to get personnel details was something else. Must ahve been his lucky day.

I know I metinoned them on another post and you added the new address but I never knew how much they actually did. I would just like to find out more. If they do personnel records there are a few people I would like to find out about.

Regards Merlin

RE: Air Historical Branch

Merlin,

I’ve mentioned them before after I approached them for information on an air bomber lost in a Lancaster in 1942. They ask you to send your query in writing and then give you what information they have. Generally, I think it’s very limited. In my case they could tell me nothing I hadn’t already found out, but from what I can gather there are cases where significantly more information is available. They will give information on a specific aircraft as well. As it’s the Air Historical Branch og the MOD I assume they deal mainly with the RAF.

I think I posted the new address and phone number on a previous thread of yours. It’s worth giving them a ring as they are very approachable and will give you a better idea of what they can offer.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

kev35