Genealogy Chat

Thanks both of you - this guy was a civilian though. His wife was also interred in a separate camp. I will probably have to grit my teeth until tomorrow when I can trawl through some papers & books. I really appreciate everyone's input. xx Jen

I'd start with the Burma Star Association.

Thanks very much Roger, just had a look, and ended up searching for totally unrelated people (fallen prey to the seductiveness of the searchable catalogues!) xx Jen

It may help to clarify things a bit to mention that the British Library has only existed since 1973, when it was created by amalgamating several important institutions, which included the British Museum Library founded in 1753. see www.bl.uk/about/history.html for more details

Hi Gwyn Yes, that's another institution he could have donated it to - I think I'll be emailing a few places! xx Jen

Could it have gone to the Imperial War Museum? Gwyn

Not known when it would have gone or about his will, sorry. Am housesitting so I can't look at any papers (like his sister's notebook in which she copied some of the poems and described the book). I suppose I should do as you say Nell, it just seemed a bit lazy if I could have tracked it down myself. Thanks both of you. xx Jen

Could the author have left details of where it was to go in his will?

It would have gone wherever the original owner passed it on. It might not be easy to find in the catalogue, do you have a rough idea WHEN it might have gone to the British Library - or possibly the British Museum? Perhaps it would be better to contact the likely recipients and see if they can trace it. nell

Thanks for looking. :-) I am trying to track down a handmade book by a POW in Burma in WW2. It's a Russian/ English dictionary for children, made of cig papers & rice glue with rust ink. It also contains poems and drawings for the author's daughters. Family legend says it went to the British Library, but could it have gone instead to a museum, for instance? Just spent hours searching the BL site - manuscripts, integrated catalogue & India Office. Any thoughts welcome xx Jen

..