NA (PRO) Free Downloads (Now ACTIVE) - Spread Sheet Tracker.

[Jagan]

https://twitter.com/UkNatArchives/status/1245340191964958721 (Posted about 51 min ago!)


We’re pleased to confirm that we will be giving everyone free access to our digitised collections very soon, but it’s taking our amazing digital team a bit of time to make it happen. (1/2)

They’re facing similar challenges to the rest of the world with regard to connecting to our various technical systems while working from home, and many of them are also juggling childcare duties. Stay tuned for an update soon! (2/2)

Just to clarify, we’re referring to digitised collections that are available on our website (and usually chargeable) – at this stage, this doesn’t extend to our collections on other sites.


--------------------------------------------

There is a bright side to being quarantined!


EDIT: USE THIS SPREAD SHEET to COORDINATE

All - here is a spread sheet of all the AIR27 entries

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1b27E1Oiy5z16ZANxgdDKfD1tfPVZNqL2fBjbmXBF1X4/edit#gid=0

Anyone can edit this - I suggest that folks enter the names against files they have downloaded.. and reach out to them directly etc to save ourselves work.

FILE IS NOW SPLIT INTO FOUR SHEETS FOR EASY LOADING

[paulmcmillan]

April 1st?

[CZ_RAF]

I think so Paul.

[Jagan]

That would be a very poor and cruel joke in these hard times - Assuming no one can be so stupid, I think they are being sincere... but lets wait and see... :)

[jossleclercq]

Hello

I fully agree with Jagan, it'd be a very bad joke to give hopes to people and then get back and laugh !

Joss

[CZ_RAF]

I will be very happy if you would be right Jagan and Joss. I agree with you that it would be a very stupid joke but ... so let's wait!

Pavel

[Don Clark]

The National Archives UK has posted consistently about the free digital access development and its scope
with several posts on Twitter - where they then responded to comments - and a matching consolidated post on Facebook.

So far there's no news of the free development on the main site.
Discovery searches of AIR 27 Operations Record Books still show the standard fee.

"Stay tuned for an update soon": sound advice, surely.

By the by, its now 17 years since the PRO became The National Archives UK.


Wishing them success and stable bandwidth.
Don Clark
www.211squadron.org

[paulmcmillan]

Not April 1st


From their email newsletter today

"
We’re pleased to announce that soon we will be providing free access to digitised collections that are available on our website (and usually chargeable) for as long as we are closed to the public. We’ll publish more details when this goes live."

[Wayne]

Thanks Paul,

The end of the first sentence "for as long as we are closed to the public" might mean some late nights for those needing to continue research from downunder before they open to the public again. :)

Eagerly awaiting more news.

Wayne.

[cozzy711]

Is there any update on this. I'm not finding any free downloads yet. Am I doing something wrong

Chris

[jonny]

Chris,

Nothing heard yet, mate. I think we are all waiting with bated breath!

Jonny

[Jagan]

If and when it happens.. would it make sense that forum members 'coordinate' the downloads to alieviate the stress on the NA Servers?

I mean we dont want 200 members trying to download the same 40,000 documents again and again...It slows up the server and makes it frustrating for everyone...

To give you an idea

The AIR27 DB on the site has :

Summary of Events (Form 540) : 21,751
Record of Events (Form 541) : 19,838
Appendices: 1,644

Total Files : 43,233 downloadable files in just AIR27


PS: I maybe counting my chickens before they are hatched... :)

[Franek Grabowski]

Brilliant idea. Perhaps we should make a list, and then follow it? With a few people this should not be a big problem, I believe. Storage could be, this might take a few bytes.

[CZ_RAF]

I think Jagan has a good idea. We should compile a list of volunteers here in this thread - optimally like moderators from different timezones and split the AIR27 range - which I suppose is the most interesting for most of the members and also guests - between them?
On the other hand I think that some volunteers should have a problem with the storage so we should also to solve this.

Pavel

[PeteT]

Just an alternative slant:

I personally think it would have made more sense for TNA to remove the watermark from its preview facility as this would have helped with the majority of "one off" queries and possibly prevented the imminent mass "panic downloading" of the ORBs.

[JDCAVE]

Just an alternative slant:

I personally think it would have made more sense for TNA to remove the watermark...

I agree. Sufficient for most research.

Jim

[PeteT]

Just signed in to Discovery and noted that the records I was looking for are now free, with a caveat that you can order up to 10 items per basket, and up to 50 in a 30 day period.

Sadly, the watermark is still present on the online "Preview Image" button

[wwrsimon]

I've just downloaded the December 1942 ORB Form 541 for 179 Sqn free of charge, and the downloaded file is not watermarked.

Simon

[PeteS]

As Jagan suggests - do we need to coordinate an effort ?

[jonny]

Just downloaded the 44 Sqn ORB for Jan - May 44 for free, without any issues. All good stuff and a £35 saving made. Well done TNA!

[malcolm_raf]

Just downloaded my first 20 files - brilliant.

Malcolm

[Jagan]

All - here is a spread sheet of all the AIR27 entries

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1b27E1Oiy5z16ZANxgdDKfD1tfPVZNqL2fBjbmXBF1X4/edit#gid=0

Anyone can edit this - I suggest that folks enter the names against files they have downloaded.. and reach out to them directly etc to save ourselves work.

[paulmcmillan]

If you can download straight from sign on and don’t need a perm email address I Suggest google OMG 10 minute mail to get temp email address you will need to sign off and register with new email

[dennis_burke]

This feels a bit like Oceans Eleven....

if only I hadn't a feckin job and three kids......

[jonny]

This feels a bit like Oceans Eleven....
.

I do, and it is not its cracked up to be! :o)

[paulmcmillan]

Well - How is everyone finding it - You can download your 10 files after order - a copy is sent to your email address - If only you could register more than once!

However I am having trouble downloading a couple of large files - just hang or stops- maybe an issue with usage ? how is everyone else find it ?

[Jagan]

Paul, i dont even wait for the email. I download straight from teh page after confirming the order.. worked okay for me till now.. max size i have downloaded is around 30MB or so.

[paulmcmillan]

Got the 4 Files of 140 MB in the end - Took a while !! AIR 27/2387
!

[ianh]

Sounds marvellous!
Is this permanent or just a temporary offer during the coronavirus shutdown?

Also - haven't had a chance to go and look yet - does what's available include combat reports? Sounds like it will.

[Steve Brew]

Hi Ian

Combat Reports for WWII are available, but it looks like individually, rather than the whole file, unfortunately.

That said, I was able to download bulk Combat Reports for 41 Sqn for WWI (AIR 1) FOC as well. There were four files covering the whole of 41 Sqn's war.

Shame that files such as AIR 79 are not available, but that's understandable considering it's an income stream for one of the genealogy sites, so they wouldn't want to undermine it. However, I had hoped that Station, Wing, Group and Command ORBs might have been available, too, and some of the WWI Officer files in WO. I note that WWI British Army War Diaries are also available, but it appears that those for WWI RFC/RAF units are not - though happy to be corrected.

Steve

[PNK]

Just realised I mus have downloaded a few over the years and mostly the pre-war ones which can bu worthwhile as most cover all the pre war years in one file. Also some appendices can be enormous and I believe one or two are over 1,000 pages and over 100Mb.

Now, where did I put them?

[Jagan]

PNK, keep them with you for now - but can you mark the spreadsheet - taht will allow others to concentrate on other stuff.

[malcolm_raf]

I've just finishing adding my squadron ORBs to the spreadsheet

Malcolm

[Jagan]

Wow Thanks Malcolm for adding those entries

I see you already have done a bulk of the work- 7300 out of 40000 done already Thats 7000 files less that we need to worry about.



Downloaded By
COUNTA of Downloaded By




0


cz_raf
11


Jagan
51


Jagans Friends
259


malcolm
6841


marioso98
199


Paul McMillan
1


Grand Total
7362




PS: I made the entry for Paul :-)

[cozzy711]

If I could make a suggestion. The limit of 50 files per 30 days is quite strict really, especially for people who cannot get to Kew easily (when its open). I only live about 10 miles from there so in normal times get there twice a week or so, so have downloaded most things I need. I do not anticipate therefore needing all my allocation of 50 files in thirty day. As such I will have spare capacity to download further files for other members if someone could devise a system of organising this.

Just a thought
Chris

[jossleclercq]

Hello Jagan

Can't add to the excel spreadsheet. It's always calculating and I can't move in the table.

I've copied AIR 27/1526/35 and /36, in the AIR 27 series, plus other documents from other series.

Joss

Joss

[CZ_RAF]

Hi Joss, I have put your name next to AIR 27/1526/35 and /36

thx

Pavel

[Don Clark]

211 Squadron RAF
I already have copies of

AIR 27/1302 and AIR 27/1303 RAF Form 540 Summary of Events and Form 541 Record of Events
from 1937 to 1941, and 1943 to 1946, on paper, plus April 1945 to March 1946 on CD-R

AIR 27/1304 to AIR 27/1313 Appendices/Photographs/Sortie Reports
Apr 1940 to May 1945 on CD-R

These records, as now held by The National Archives UK, are very far from complete.
In describing the purpose and intended scope and completeness of the Squadron's formal record (http://www.211squadron.org/squadron_records.html),
I've also compiled a list showing the extent of the forms and appendices that remain, and of the various losses/omissions (http://www.211squadron.org/squadron_records.html#211ORB3746).

In order to make the main record searchable, I transcribed the Forms 540 and Forms 541 for the whole period 1937 to 1941, 1943 and 1946, with a selection of other Appendices.
The volume and legibility of the 1944 and 1945 records (then only available in paper form) defeated me.

Such transcriptions are liable to copy/omission/typing error.
I can only say that for my purposes a searchable text has been invaluable, not least as an entrée to the originals.
Access to the original records is of course invaluable, however, these themselves are equally subject to error and omission on creation.

Over coming weeks I shall take advantage of TNA UKs offer and download the whole lot again in consistent format.
In the meantime I've put my name against the 211 Squadron entries in Jagan's spreadsheet.

Don Clark
www.211squadron.org

[cozzy711]

I have added my files to the spreadsheet however there appears to be a glitch whereby many of the Records (F541) are missing for 1944-1945

Chris

[CZ_RAF]

I have added some more of my files, shortly I will run out of emails:-)

Pavel

[Jagan]

Chris, I didnt realise that the file may be incomplete i found several missing lines myself. Feel free to insert lines in there and add the name. no need to add all details. jut a blank line and sqn number should be enough for us to make it out!

[CZ_RAF]

Jagan, I am quite curious what would be our statistics today...
Pavel

[Jagan]

Pavel. In the spreadsheet go to the second sheet. It has a table that automatically updates!

[CZ_RAF]

Thanks Jagan, I was not expecting there will be another Sheet:-) Well, quite good progress, but I think we would need more participants to succeed.

Pavel

[JohnE]

The spreadsheet is killing my computer, so I will not be updating. But I have almost every AIR 27 file for Spitfire and Hurricane units.

On my wish list are:

AIR 27/2435 and AIR 27/2631 - both 81 Sq.
A long list of AIR 28 and AIR 29

John Engelsted

[Jagan]

John, can you publish your "want list for AIR28/29" in the other thread ? "sharing resources durign shutdown".. we might turn up some things...

Also if you can message me/ email me a file list of the PDFs you hold. - i can update the sheet on your behalf.

regards

-Jagan

[AndyBaldEagle]

Evening to all, just wading through the Air 27 files I have downloaded previously and recently - I didn't know how many I actually have - I will be updating the spreadsheet over the next few days all being well.

Regards

Andy

[Jagan]

Half way through John E's entries .. still work in progress..



Downloaded By
COUNTA of Downloaded By



0


AndyBaldEagle
180


cozzy711
17


cz_raf
592


Don Clark
56


ERROR With Link
1


Jagan
77


Jagan's Contact
258


JohnE
12068


Jonny
54


JossLeclercq
20


malcolm
6859


marioso98
421


Paul McMillan
4


Grand Total
20607

[Don Clark]

Further to my earlier post 38 (http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthread.php?25806-NA-(PRO)-Free-Downloads-(Now-ACTIVE)-Spread-Sheet-Tracker&p=150260#post150260) on 211 Squadron records, I've downloaded so far
AIR 27/1302 1 to 17 (complete)
AIR 27/1303 1 to 30 (of 35).
In all 47 pieces.

That leaves
AIR 27/1303 31 to 35
AIR 27/1304 to AIR 27/1313
In all a further 15 to download when the calendar permits.

This I make 62 pieces in total when complete, not the 56 as summarised in the spreadsheet. May re-check* that once all done.

At a quick check, these digitised PDF greyscale images are clearer than:
the vast sets of A3 paper photocopies from long ago
(for which I remain deeply grateful to Tim Hughes, former RAF etc UK researcher, and to Elizabeth, my long-time friend in Canada)
and clearer even than the CD-R TIFF B+W partial digital set
(accidentally included with a later TNA order of mine and gratefully retained).

Don Clark
*Rechecked. My count, 62. Spreadsheet count, 56.

[Don Clark]

Extraction now completed for all 211 Squadron RAF records extant in:
AIR 27/1302 1 to 17
AIR 27/1303 1 to 35
AIR 27/1304 to AIR 27/1313

Missing/lost/destroyed/non-compiled gaps as previously described in my earlier post and on my 211 Squadron website/Squadron Records page

Don Clark

[Gildas]

Hi all, just added a few ones in the list among my first fifty downloaded that were not already signed. May you please confirm units as 1 PRU or CC squadrons as 812 or 838 Sqn aren't in the board list ? Even if not on the board, I didn't succeeded to see them... May you please confirm they do appear somewhere on the site ?
Quite an opportunity for me who can't go to kew !
Best to all

[PeteS]

Is there a secret password or something ? everytime I try to get any it bombs me out with an error message "Server Error in '/' Application".

I'd like to do my bit to contribute but my limited IT skills seem to be letting me down. I have tried various times of the day and later in the evenings off an on for a while now.

[Jagan]

Let me split up the file into multiple sheets -that might help the file to load better

[Jagan]

Spreadsheet is now split into four sheets for easy loading

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1b27E1Oiy5z16ZANxgdDKfD1tfPVZNqL2fBjbmXBF1X4/edit#gid=0

approx 10K rows per sheet.. sqns numbers reflected in tab names.

[AndyBaldEagle]

Jagan

Tried to reply to your message but it says you have too many messages already?

Andy

[brewerjerry]

Hi
well if it helps
I have downloaded air-27-954, 1 to 41 inc
basically the 137 squadron whirlwind years
cheers
jerry

[Jagan]

Total Files
Downloaded
Blanks


Sqns 1-76
10021
7201
2820


Sqns 77-200
10184
7184
3000


Sqns 201-320
10288
5989
4299


Sqns 321-999
10764
7107
3657


All others
2773
452
2321


TOTAL
44030
27933
16097




63.44%
36.56%



Almost 65% is impressive..

[malcolm_raf]

Hi All

I have just received a the following newsletter from TNA advising: -

"Since mid-March, our iconic and much-loved building in Kew has been silent. With our reading rooms closed, the vast majority of our staff working from home and many of our usual services suspended, we have focused on bringing you more digital content and online resources. I hope you’ve been able to enjoy our online talks, podcasts, free downloads of digital records available through our website and our ever-popular research guides and education resources.
Following recent government announcements, I am delighted that our reading rooms in Kew will re-open on 21 July 2020. It’s wonderful to know that visitors will again be able to use our reading rooms and have access to our collection of original documents.
The re-opening will be a gradual process and The National Archives will look and feel very different to what you are used to. We’ll be providing limited access to parts of the building and our services will operate differently for the time being.
In recent weeks, we’ve been busy preparing and introducing new measures.
• We will be introducing a booking system. All visits will need to be pre-booked and we will ask everyone to pre-plan and order all documents in advance

• You will notice a new document delivery process to protect you, our staff and to ensure the correct handling and quarantine of documents

• A one-way system will be in place around the building with signage to help with social distancing. There will also be rigorous cleaning throughout the day.
You can find more information on our website about how to book, our new safety arrangements, and what to expect when you visit.
The safety of our visitors and staff is paramount to the decision we have taken to re-open our reading rooms. We will keep all of our opening arrangements under constant review, and would welcome your feedback over the coming weeks.
I’m pleased to say that, for the time being, we will also continue to provide free downloads of our digital collection on our website, along with a huge number of research guides, resources and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally for your continued support of The National Archives and look forward to welcoming you back from 21 July.
With very best wishes,
Jeff James
Chief Executive and Keeper, The National Archives

Find out how to book and what to expect"

Malcolm

[Steve Brew]

And the most important part of that message is: "...for the time being, we will also continue to provide free downloads of our digital collection on our website"! :-)

[MagicNeilJ]

Hi all

I have added some of those I have to the spreadsheet.

I started 'serious' research on RAF Manston four years ago so I have masses of ORB that I would like to obtain at some point, plus the many records in AIR 28 for Manston if anyone has any?

I am just concerned that I could be making a lot of requests to people here, so is there some informal policy for the number of requests?

Thanks
Neil

[ianh]

Hi Neil. I've got photos of a chunk of Manston's ORB, mid-'44 to May '45. Are you after anything in particular?
It's not great on detail compared with Woodbridge's ORB.
Ian

[MagicNeilJ]

Hi Ian
I actually have Manston's ORB for that period thanks - I am looking for the rest of it ;)

Neil

[malcolm_raf]

Hi Neil

I have the early years up to 1940

Malcolm

[MagicNeilJ]

Hi Neil

I have the early years up to 1940

Malcolm

Hi @malcolm_raf

That would be fantastic - is there any chance of getting copies somehow please? Email is info@manstonhistory.org.uk

Neil

[Pierre Renier]

For anyone doing their own downloads, I see the monthly digital allowance has now been increased to 100 records per month, see - https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/news/digital-downloads/

Cheers
Pierre

[Steve Brew]

Excellent news!