See https://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ca ... l-records/VALLMO9 wrote: ↑21 Nov 2022, 15:51... as the TNA Youtube clip states: "There would also be some caveats to protect personal information, specifically this meant that for individuals born less than 100 years ago -- and therefore considered likely to still be alive -- we would redact the descriptions to show just the initials and surname and the year of birth". ...
My problem is that, according to that transcript, all index entries show only initials, never first names. It's not a restriction imposed when the soldiers are born less than 100y ago - or even less than 115y ago. For example, this chap who was born 119y ago:
The blog says:Reference: WO 420/38659
Description: Name: A Bruce.
Service number: 10575027.
Date of birth: 07 July 1903.
Well, that doesn't look very useful if I'm searching for one particular A Bruce, and I don't know what birthday he used to join up with.We knew that we needed the descriptions to be useful to readers searching for individual service people and as consistent as possible
As I commented on that blog, it appears that we will be getting less access once the records go to TNA. Currently, if I can provide proof of death, I can get at least some information. Currently, if I can provide proof of death and get permission from the next of kin, I can get the full details, no matter when the person was born.