National Archives Closed Archive 29 years

Hi
I am new to this so bear with me, I have been trying to research a relative’s military history, he was killed in Italy on 06/09/1944 whilst serving with the 8th Bn. Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). I have found out that the regimental war diaries for April - June 1944 are held in the National Archives, reference WO 169/16286 are marked Access Conditions Closed For 29 years, so short of a Freedom of Information request which will take 30 days+ does anybody know if there will be copies for example in the regimental museum/archives.
Thanks in advance for any help or advice

 

These diaries are currently open. That access date can be ignored.

 

I wish they'd change that in the catalogue, it does confuse a lot of people. The 29 years refers to the length of time the diary was closed, i.e. from 1944 to 1973. The diary has been publically available for approaching 40 years.

Lee

 

Thanks for the quick reply gents, so off to Kew then.

 

Alan58

Before you shoot off to Kew, have a read of this thread. All sorts of useful advice about things to look out for when you are there.

http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/research-material/15595-national-archives-kew-tips.html

The most important being that you need to obtain a readers card on arrival before you can get in to read the war diaries. If you don't take the required Identification in order to do this, you will have had a wasted trip.

Enjoy your time there when you do go.

Cheers - Rob

 

Thanks Rob
For the very useful tip and link.

 

Alan,

Sorry for being a slight bore on this - but the war diary dates might be referencing the dating regime from the US ?

The death date of your relative 6/9/44 you mention is 6th Sept 1944 not 9th June 1944, so you'll need the Jul-Sep diaries - I'm sure you realised this but just checking.

What is so terrible (amongst so many other terrible things) is that there were 29 deaths in the Royal Fusiliers alone on that date - and I think about 250 in the British Army on that day. I presume on the crucible of the Gothic Line

best
Richard

 

Hi Richard

Thanks for that it never even crossed my mind, but I think 9th June 1944 wiil be correct, as the date comes from CWGC, he is buried in MONTECCHIO WAR CEMETERY

 

Alan,

Thanks.

At the risk of being even more boring - if one of your relatives is either Leonard Fox or Oswald Whittingham both buried at Montecchio, then it would be 6th Sept 1944.

CWGC - Search for War Dead

If I'm still talking out of my ...., then please ignore

best