Original Ariel photographs, notes and maps

14 September 2002, 01:30 PM

Hi,
I wonder if could advise on the following.. Whilst researching my family history I encountered a distant relative that has original aerial photographs and handwritten notes on troop movements..Also the collection contains maps (mainly Northern France).. The material was compiled by his Grandfather. his Grandfather had been a spotter / recon with the R.A.F. in W.W.1.. Is there any significant historical value to this type of material and if so what department / organization would be most interested ?

Amy · 16 September 2002, 02:06 AM

Hi Mikemj: I'm kind of surprised that no one has answered this. What time period of the war does your collection involve? Whatever your relative does with his collection, don't throw it out!

16 September 2002, 04:14 AM

Hi Amy,

I will need to visit with this man again to get the dates. But that will be easily established as the attached notes will have all such details..I do know that the notes include mention of enemy and friendly troop movements as well as machine gun positions etc. The photos are in excellent condition and in fact even have tissue separating them to keep them that way. The maps are of the old cotton / paper type.. Anyway do u think I should get more info on them and who would be interested in the details ?

16 September 2002, 04:59 AM

I would have thought that there are at least two places that would be very interesed in your papers -The Imperial War Museum in London http://www.iwm.org.uk/
and the RAF Museum also in London http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/

You could give them a try?

Amy · 16 September 2002, 05:22 AM

Hi Mike: I had thought the same as Tinker of the two museums that would be interested. The information that your relative has would be perfect for that researcher out there who was studying a particular area on a particular day. I know of researchers who have often ran into such a spot.

17 September 2002, 12:29 PM

Tks Tinker and Amy,

Will speak to the man with the photos and then make contact with the sites you have suggested..

Regards

Testerchild · 20 September 2002, 09:29 AM

Mike jm,

I've only just seen your message as I've been away, but it's really interesting.

Do you have the name of the observer, or his squadron number? *If you have any map references I could look up my trench map CD to see where they refer to, if you don't already know.

If they turned out to have anything to do with 20 Squadron RFC/RAF I would be very interested in buying any copies you are able to make before you send the originals to a museum, as I am researching that squadron's history.

But whatever the squadron, it's a fascinating find.

Testerchild