Bundesarchiv BA-MA Files.
 

Hi, I have been looking on the net at files listed by the BA-MA and wondered if anybody could clarify, what im likely to find in these.

Ive been looking at the files in the RL10 series which appear to be squadron records. Can anybody tell me what they are likely to contain, are there any crew or a/c rosta's, do they list claims or losses.

I would like to obtain more files and i understand they take a while to be despatched.
Can anybody give advice how to use this facility?

Best Regards,
Steve.

Re: Bundesarchiv BA-MA Files.
 

In my (very limited) experience, the series varies a lot.

2.(F)/122 is represented by a log of the unit's flights (dates, times, codes, crews) from January 1944 to April 1945.

NSG 2 and NSG 20 are apparently post-war essays written by former unit commanders.

For NSG 9 there are just a couple of pages on its establishment, with names of the first dozen or so pilots. Again this looks to have been done post-war.

Stab JG 77's war diary is preserved and I guess Freiburg has the original KTB for III./SG 4 since the IWM has it on microfilm.

Don Caldwell used war diaries surviving for some of the JG 26 Gruppen in his books.

Re: Bundesarchiv BA-MA Files.
 

Hi Nick,
Many thanks for your reply.
What im looking for is pretty much like how you describe 2(F) / 122 contents, flights, dates, times, crews, and importantly codes!

Im particularly looking at Kampfgeschwader units KG3 4, 26, 27, 55 etc and was wondering if i can find this info within these files.
I noticed RL10/41 file giving " Einsatze Gegen England KTB4 from 3.8- to 24.10.40 seemingly, operations over England during the Battle of Britain period. This is my particular field of interest.

Perhaps Peter or Remi can offer any clues to the contents of these files?

Best Regards,
Steve.

Re: Bundesarchiv BA-MA Files.
 

Hello Steve!

As Nick already mentioned, the quality of files from RL 10
differs very much. One can find there NVM from different units,
KTB with detailles reports from flights with WNr. and markings, but also
propaganda-style material.
Everything, what was used in a certain unit and survived the war
got it´s own signature.
I checked about 100 files of RL 10 and found very interesting informations as also useless things.
A good start is the findbook, which is only available in Freiburg as a book.
Not always is the description given there, that you actually find.
On LWAG-homepage is a listing of signatures, which is old and has a couple of errors.

Dirk

Re: Bundesarchiv BA-MA Files.
 

Good evening Dirk,
Thank you for your guide to the RL10 files.
I suppose its obviously a needle in a haystack situation!
some files you will find of interest, some others like you say, will be of little interest, and may be just filled with propaganda. Perhaps you can maybe recommend some good files, with the information i am looking for?

Do you know how much these cost to obtain, and how long for delivery.

Best regs,
Steve.

Ordering Bundesarchiv BA-MA Files.
 

Hi Steve,

Regarding copying: All "easy" and B & W copying is done by the Selke firm. They ask 0.41 Euro for a A4 hardcopy or digital scan. (0.46 for A3, not sure if this includes VAT). All colour and photographic stuff is done by the Firma Bühler. You can find brochures of both firms plus ordering info inside the Archiv. Check out the BA-MA site also for exact prices.

Regarding the time it takes: The BA-MA permits itself the luxury of spending max 8 weeks, but they aim for faster. But as we have seen during our visit, you are dependent on whether files are lent out to other "researchers" or not. What I have seen from the transfer/copying process of documents between the Archiv and Selke struck me as being somewhat cumbersome.

BTW: If you order something special, for example colour negatives of A-1 size maps of bunkers, the BA-MA charges you twice because they grasp the opportunity of making a backup copy for their own use! My "bunker"-friend was outraged when he found this out and his 300 Euro bill suddenly doubled...

Hope this helps,

Marcel

Re: Bundesarchiv BA-MA Files.
 

Good morning Marcel,
Thank you very much for the information, im going to contact BA-MA and take a chance!
You have given me some good advice and info, i am very grateful.

Best Regs,
Steve,

Re: Bundesarchiv BA-MA Files.
 

Hi Steve,

You're welcome! If you can afford the time and money, I would recommend going over there yourself. It's quite an experience and great fun and if you're really into your subject you'll easily outclass any historian you hire from a distance.

I'm not a BA-MA expert, but feel free to ask if you have any further questions.

All the best,

Marcel

Re: Bundesarchiv BA-MA Files.
 

Hi Steve,

You're welcome! If you can afford the time and money, I would recommend going over there yourself. It's quite an experience and great fun and if you're really into your subject you'll easily outclass any historian you hire from a distance.

I'm not a BA-MA expert, but if you have any further questions feel free to ask.

All the best,

Marcel

Re: Bundesarchiv BA-MA Files.
 

Thank you very much Marcel, thats very kind of you.

Best Regs,
Steve.