As a small experiment, and to continue some personal research, I've applied to the IRC for a search to be completed in their records of POWs from the First World War.
It seems strange to think of the belligerent nations communicating about the fate of individuals, but a constant stream of information on soldiers' death, capture or injury has left a wealth of information for modern day researchers. These records were consulted during recent research associated with the exhumation of soldiers' remains at Fromelles, but are also accessible for individuals conducting research.
For example, William George Hollington, wounded and captured in August 1917 whilst serving with 13 Royal Irish Rifles. By chance William has a record at the National Archives in Kew, London. He is part of the 1% kept in PIN 26, a sample of true pension records, not those of WO 363 often described as such.
This stroke of luck has fleshed out the story, but it will be interesting to see:
1. what the IRC records can add;
2. The speed of response, some members of the Great War Forum quote a wide range, 6 months being common.
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