Machine Gun Corps Research Assistance, Help WE Need and Reading Suggestions

updated on 31sth August, 2019

All cheques must be made out to Machine Gun Corps Old Comrades' Association, never an individual.

I THANK YOU FOR NOT EMAILING US
BEFORE READING THE INFORMATION AND ADVICE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.
FIRST AND FOREMOST - PLEASE BE PATIENT.

The Honorary Secretary, Committee and any and all helpers give their time free and are volunteers, sometimes you may have to wait for a written mailed response, emails tend to be answered quickly.

General membership and events enquiries email to Mrs Judith Lappin, Honorary Secretary at this address:-.

info@machineguncorps.co.uk

Judith will try to assist for general enquiries but for individual research, you need to contact Graham Sacker at www.machine-gun-corps-database.co.uk

You can help us too:

If a member is unable to visit the grave of a relative, we will try to obtain a photograph.
If you are going abroad, especially to far flung places, we would really appreciate it if you could look out for MGC graves and photograh them. We can give you a list of graves near any town in any country you visit.

If you are able to take photos, please ensure you also take a close up of the base of the headstone since the only way to know if there is an inscription paid for by a relative is to actually see the gravestone. And also some pics of the general layout and location of the cemetery.

Please see News page for list of overseas graves needing to be photographed. Thank you.


You may like to read the following Books:

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We want every man who served with the Corps to be remembered as an individual, not just a number and would be pleased to receive copies of documents you hold and a photograph of him.


Anyone can go to the National Archive (formerly called the Public Record Office) and search for documents at no cost other than photocopying.


OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS:

 

GRAHAM SACKER

Graham, a member of the OCA and author, has done huge amouts of research into MGC soldiers and history, contact him via his website: machine-gun-corps-database.co.uk

GENERAL RESEARCH ADVICE FROM ANY SOURCE
ALWAYS INCLUDE A SAE OR STAMP WHEN YOU ASK FOR HELP.
Take a tip from us, many people assume that 'they' are paid to help
or 'they' get money from the Government to help.
or 'they' can pay for the stationery and stamps needed to answer questions.
Generally, 'they' get nothing, no financial help at all and many times all responses are from unpaid volunteers at many regimental associations and so on.
If you want to get your letter to the top of the pile, be polite, be patient, pay your way with a stamp and say thank you after you receive a response too. Many people who help you are unpaid and certainly everyone involved with the MGC/OCA does so for love not money.

THE COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission, has it's own web site, where you can visit to see the valuable work that they do. It has an on-line database containing the details of every soldier killed since the onset of the First World War and the site of their burial. Provided that you know the name of the particular soldier, (year of death, nationality also help, but as with many a database, often theless you put in the better the result!) you can utilise this service free of charge.
This site is well worth a visit, why not make a donation to their work as a thank you for the free search?

Click on icon to go to site.Link to Commonwealth War Graves Commission   

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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVE, KEW

The National Archive (formerly known as the Public Records Office) at Kew, is another very valuable source of information. Many soldiers records are held here, (those that survived fires and the Blitz) and information can be found among the War Diaries and Medal Rolls. Their web site, offers valuable information about archives available for research, opening times and advice. A digital photography service can be used free of charge, take along your digital camera (no flash nor tripods allowed) and laptop computer. **You will need ID to get a readers ticket on your first visit.
Their website also offers some on-line searches either free or for small fees. Look for the Medal Card for your relative.
Click on icon to go to site. Link to Public Records Office at Kew     

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THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

The Imperial War Museum has a very interesting web site which providing information on all the exhibitions taking place during the year at it's various venues.  The reading rooms at the Imperial War Museum are a valuable source of rare First World War histories which you may find are very useful to you. Many are now available online anywhere and at the museum itself. You will need to telephone in advance and arrange a visit to the reading room so that the staff can have the documents you require ready for you.  In additional to documents and printed books, there are exhibits and firearms, sound, film, photographic and art archives. If you are unable to get to London, you will find that the staff there are very helpful.
Click on icon to go to site.   Link to Imperial War Museum           

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Copyright Machine Gun Corps Old Comrades' Association.
Articles written by Judith Lappin and Keith Stephenson