Henk Penders my new friend from Dieteren Belgium. His town is compiling a list of all the soldiers who saved their town from invasion from the Germans. In particular soldiers who were awarded medals are of particular interest to the town. My dad was awarded his Military Medal for actions and bravery on the 16 January 1945. On the 16 January each year the town raises the Union Flag and gives prayers for the saving of the town.
Henk contacted me the other day to say that my Dad had a sealed record at the National Archives. This record is closed until 20 August 2024.
Well as you can imagine was thoroughly intrigued. Henk gave me the reference and I discovered that the National Archive are now digitising (as a trial project at the moment) the DLI Home Guard application forms.
During the War those too young to fight or too old to go out to war, joined the Home Guard. My father duly did and his record is there waiting to be opened on 20 August 2024. (his birthday is 19 August 1924) so it is a 100 year sealed record.
We think today that we have a digital trail, but even today how many years later, our parents pop up unexpectedly. What other forms and letters will be put online in the future, for those generations to uncover.
As my father is deceased, with proof of death given, I can apply for the record to be opened and a copy of the Home Guard Application Form sent to me for a fee of £24.50. Watch this space. Regards to all Christine.
Henk Penders my new friend from Dietren Belgium. His town is compiling a list of all the soldiers who saved their town from invasion from the Germans. In particular soldiers who were awarded medals are of particular interest to the town. My dad was awarded his Military Medal for actions and bravery on the 16 January 1945. On the 16 January each year the town raises the Union Flag and gives prayers for the saving of the town.
Henk contacted me the other day to say that my Dad had a sealed record at the National Archives. This record is closed until 20 August 2024.
Well as you can imagine was thoroughly intrigued. Henk gave me the reference and I discovered that the National Archive are now digitising (as a trial project at the moment) the DLI Home Guard application forms.
During the War those too young to fight or too old to go out to war, joined the Home Guard. My father duly did and his record is there waiting to be opened on 20 August 2024. (his birthday is 19 August 1924) so it is a 100 year sealed record.
We think today that we have a digital trail, but even today how many years later, our parents pop up unexpectedly. What other forms and letters will be put online in the future, for those generations to uncover.
As my father is deceased, with proof of death given, I can apply for the record to be opened and a copy of the Home Guard Application Form sent to me for a fee of £24.50. Watch this space. Regards to all Christine.
