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Limitations to research
While most records are available to the public, there are exceptions...
General records Archives descriptions can also be very misleading. Sometimes one wonders what archivists were smoking when some record descriptions were made. While some descriptions may seem very promising to your area of research, what is actually contained in the box or microfilm might not be. I have had this happen to me on many different occasions. In the end, it is best not to get too excited about record descriptions until you have actually seen the content of that volume or file.
In addition, some old archives finding aids may contain information on how to locate various files that no longer exist or have been moved to an undisclosed location. I have found this in particular with old Canadian Military Headquarters Files. The finding aid information remains for a file either destroyed or split up into other volumes etc.
Personnel Files - While all WW 1 personnel service records are open to the public, only those members of the Canadian military killed during WW 2 are open. Even these records can have restrictions on them. In order to access service records of WW 2 personnel, family members must provide written permission from the veteran or proof of their death. IF THE SERVICE PERSON IS DECEASED, THEY MUST HAVE DIED AT LEAST 20 YEARS PRIOR TO THE REQUEST FOR ME TO PROCESS IT. OTHERWISE IT IS BETTER TO DEAL DIRECT WITH THE ARCHIVES. People not related to service personnel can request basic non personal information related to their military service HOWEVER IT IS ULTIMATELY UP TO THE ARCHIVES WHETHER ANY INFO CAN BE RELEASED. Sometimes requests can take long periods of time either due to backlogs or conservation issues. Most WW2 files on officers were involved with flooding that occurred some time ago. These sometimes require conservation work in order for them to be accessible to the public.
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