Tangmere asked on 29 January:
It would be helpful if any other viewers to this thread could input with their knowledge or experience in this area so as to build up a picture of what the true position is.
I have had 2 experiences of the AHB recently.
The latest (January 2012) was an enquiry about a pilot whom I knew in the 1960s, and whose trace I have lost. The reply was, probably fair enough, that they did not hold information about him during or after his service with the RAF. They explained that it was possible that his Record of Service could be available at Cranwell. The argument was that the MOD had responsibility for the custody of Records of Service which were not already in the public domain. Whilst an individual is still alive only that person may obtain information on their Record of Service. If deceased, the MOD’s duty is to “ensure that information is not disclosed if there is even the slightest risk that this would undermine” trust with families. Applicants who are not immediate next of kin may obtain a summary of the Record of Service when the subject is known to be deceased. The consent of next of kin may have to be obtained. A fee of £30 is payable.
That seems more or less OK to me.
The other case (September 2011) was my enquiry about a Wellington which crashed in the Middle East in 1943, and I asked, by email, five numbered questions about the mission, the circumstances and two of the people involved, one of whom died. All five questions received well documented answers.
The same officer signed both letters of reply.
So, I cannot grumble at the service I obtained.
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