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Topic: Obtaining Canadian Military records.
Q. --->What is the proceedure to apply for Canadian Military Records?
A. --->The Canadian Military Genealogical FAQ
web page indicates the following from their web page at: http://www.ott.igs.net/~donpark/canmilfaq.htm
1. Question: What information sources are available.
Of the many useful sources for Canadian military genealogical research of, the following immediately come to mind:
a. The National Archives of Canada
incorporating the Personnel Records Centre (holds archival personnel
records).
b. Directorate of History, Dept of National Defence.
c. The War Museum of Canada.
d. Regimental Museumsand Associations.
e. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
f. There is also a Canadian Military Echo on the Fido net.
g. While not strictly military, the RCMP (preceded by the NWMP) is
also sometimes of interest.
2. Question: What information may be obtained.
a. The National Archives has published a booklet entitled Tracing
Your Ancestors in Canada which provides information of a general nature on
their services and resources. Although somewhat dated, this is recommended
reading for any Canadian researcher - there is MUCH more here than strictly
military personnel data. For a more detailed summary (is that an oxymoron?)
see the National Archives Home Page at
National Archives of Canada.
However, with respect to military information of genealogical interest, limited extractions may be obtained from the Personnel Records for former members of the Armed Forces of Canada.
In order to release the information permitted under legislation, the
administration must be satisfied that the member is deceased, either by
reason of age or if evidence can be provided with the enquiry. Generally
records of personnel serving in WWI are accessible, later records require
the individual's permission or proof of death.
b. The Directorate of History's main function is the production of official histories of the Canadian Armed Forces. In support of this writing, the Directorate collects source documents on the Canadian Armed Forces. It consequently acts as an information centre on that history and provides research facilities for the public. This service however will no longer be available after 1 April 1996 but in the interim, enquiries should be directed to the Senior Research Officer. The Public Reading Room is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 0830 to 1630. Their resources include:
(i). Book Collection. Official histories of allied and enemy forces,
general histories, campaign histories and some technical works as well as
numerous Canadian and British regimental histories. There is an extensive
collection of officers lists and printed regulations and administrative
orders, mostly Canadian - eg. Admiralty Fleet Orders, Militia Orders,
General Orders, Canadian Army Orders, Air Force Administrative Orders,
Canadian Forces Supplementary Orders, etc.
(ii). The Kardex and document collection. This includes papers
from the Canadian Army and the RCAF, mainly 1939-64. Also included are
the papers of LCol HM Jackson who compiled information on a number of
military topics - in particular his heavily used notes on the careers of
WWI Canadian Officers.
(iii). Permanent reference files. These are working files of
booklets, newspaper clippings, photographs, and materials. Files have been
created for Bases in Canada and abroad, Canadian Units, Ships, Squadron of
the RCAF and Canadian Forces, and aircraft types, both Canadian and foreign.
(iv). Biographical files. Created for many Canadian servicemen and
civilians, of all ranks and professions, and for some selected foreigners.
These files are supplemented with other information on honours and awards,
casualties, prisoners of war, etc for Cdn personnel. There is also a card
file of Canadians who served in the British Flying Services in WWI.
(v). Other records and information. Other information includes:
RCAF WWII operations record books (ORBs) and unit diaries for squadrons and
formations, Canadian Armed Forces Unit Annual Historical Reports, Mr Steiger's collection of German language materials, large quantities of Public
Record Office documents copied for their relevance to RCAF and RCN histories, a large collection of naval material from the naval historian, personal papers as collected from time to time (including those of E Pye,
FH Hutchins, and the Clayton Knight Committee) and some donated personal
papers of retired senior officers (the General Jean Victor Allard fonds,
the Dr JJB Pariseau fonds, and those of Louis Noel de Tilly.
c. The various Regimental Museums and associations which may also
be able to provide assistance.
DO NOT FORGET! When corresponding with non-governmental agencies, enclose a SASE (Self Addressed Stamped
Envelope). If writing from outside Canada, and you cannot get Cdn
postage stamps, enclose two IRC (International Reply Coupons) which you
can get from your local PO.
To find addresses plus more information please visit the Canadian Military Genealogical FAQs Site at: http://www.ott.igs.net/~donpark/canmilfaq.htm.
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*** For translation of the above document to a language other than English refer to the translators found at the top of the FAQs Index Page and follow the directions given within each link.
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