1837online and National Archivist web sites

[Pam Downes]

'Soldiers who died in the Great War' is now available at 1837 online.

And later in the year they will also add the databases currently available at the National Archivist site.

Special price offers are available for both sites until 14th Feb via the National Archivist site.
Pam Downes

[Mythology]

I don't follow up things into the 20th century very often, so I am not too well up on things other than the obvious - the CWGC site, the medal cards and the "Burnt records" at Kew. I did not know what to expect, so I thought I'd find out by throwing in one that I already have.
Was this one just an unlucky choice?

Name: DEBENHAM, Keith
Regiment, Corps etc.: Highland Light Infantry
Battalion etc.: 3rd Battalion
Surname: Debenham
Forename(s): Keith
Initials: K
Decoration:
Rank: LT
Date died: 04 December 1916
How died: Died of wounds

Apart from the "How died" line, which isn't exactly very specific (he actually died over here after being wounded, hospitalised for some months, then shipped back here for an operation, and is in the ordinary GRO index not the war deaths) that tells me nothing that isn't on the CWGC site - free.
It does not tell me that he was aged 23, which the CWG site does - free.
It does not tell me that he was the son of Robert and Grace Debenham of Melbourne, Australia, which the CWGC site (albeit with a typo, Rebort instead of Robert) does - free.
It does not tell me that he was buried over here in Brompton Cemetery, which the CWGC site does - free.

I won't go into the extra stuff on the medal card, because that costs money online, but, by comparison with what is on the CWGC site, free, well, I'm sorry, but if that is typical, then considering it costs ten units to get that out of 1837online, I think that's pretty pathetic.

Mythology thanks Pam for drawing his attention to another special offer, but goes to bed in a huff.

[Mythology]

Addition.

Having been asked privately, it dawns on me that I have committed the sin of throwing in some initials on the assumption that everyone will know what they stand for. :o

So, for anyone scratching their head, CWGC = Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Web site, database searchable by name, no payment involved:
http://www.cwgc.org/cwgcinternet/search.aspx

[Geoffers]

The soldiers who died in WW1 part of 1837 online does have one useful addition which is not included on CWGC - you can search by birthplace.

Also, suppose you are looking for the dreaded John Smith whom you know was born in London, served in the army and died sometime in WW1. Search CWGC for army deaths WW1 SMITH J (you can't search on forename) and you get 1,847 hits, which will take a while to work through.

Search 1837 online for SMITH John, born London and you get 9 hits.

Search CWGC for HOLDEN J, army WW1 and you get 100 hits, search 1837 online for HOLDEN John, bn Lancs and you get 17.

10 units is quite a lot to view a record, but if it saves me a bit of time and I only have to click on one or two entries, it becomes more viable.

Yer pays yer money and yer takes yer choice.

Geoffers

[Mythology]

Thank you, Geoffers - I agree that if I was looking for John Smith born London I'd rather pay a small sum to make life easier, so it does have its uses then.

As far as my "Was this one just an unlucky choice?" question goes, though, I'm not being sarcastic here, I honestly know very little about 20th century stuff and have no idea what is contained in a typical entry on the "Soldiers died in the Great War" database.

My result does not include a birthplace (nor even an age for that matter) so it wouldn't have helped if there were a thousand Keith Debenhams - if a typical entry does, then that would indeed be helpful.

Other than that, though, I take it that the answer is "No, this is about all you're likely to get", so apart from cases where the CWGC site is a pain because, for example, the user doesn't know the death year to narrow it down and/or the name is horribly common, it's a waste of money - one to use just for the difficult cases, yes?

[Geoffers]

At ten units to get the full entry, I'd agree - personally I think this is quite a lot. However, as mentioned, I'm not averse to using their index to narrow down the number of hits and then transfer over to CWGC.

To give an example of information provided by the two sites:
CWGC (free)
LOWE, William. Nationality UK,Pioneer 6th bn Labour Corps. Service No. 117547. Grave ref 54.116 Norwich Cemetery. Died 26 Oct 1918

1837online (cost c.50pence)
LOWE, William. Labour Corps. Born Norwich, enlisted London, residence Norwich, Service No. 292764 (formerly 117547 R.E). Died 26 Oct 1918. Theatre of war. Home

The bit that is only on one site is in blue. Is it worth 50 pence to find out the additional detail? - possibly.
Geoffers

[Mythology]

Cheers, Geoffers - that gives me a better idea of where I stand for any future ones, much more compehensive than the result I got, so certainly worth bearing in mind. :)

[Peter Goodey]

"At ten units to get the full entry, I'd agree"

On the other hand, have you seen how much it costs on CD? Makes the NBI seem value for money!

[Geoffers]

On the other hand, have you seen how much it costs on CD?
'tis a good point, thanks for reminding me. It's as well to keep things in perspective

Geoffers

[Mythology]

"have you seen how much it costs on CD?"

I hadn't, and for my limited interest it's not something that I'd have considered purchasing even if it was something silly like only a tenner, but, having looked, I do think you should have added a warning, Peter. ;)

"Those with even the mildest of dodgy heart conditions should not investigate the cost". :eek:

[Peter Goodey]

"I do think you should have added a warning, Peter."

Actually I don't think I'll be using it online and certainly won't be buying it!

The SoG library has a copy and I'll be happy to stick with their copy if or when when I need it again.