Military Chat

My great great grandfather was naturalised from Austria, not sure what exact date,it only says between 1914-1939. However, his naturalisation details state the records are closed for 100 years, being made public in 2040.

Closure Criterion; Contains sensitive personal information which would substantially distress or endanger a living person or his or her descendants

Is this normal for a naturalisation?

Thank you in advance
Shani

It does seem odd to have such a long closure, but if they won't be opened until 2040, there is a presumption that the paperwork dates to 1940 ie at the beginning of WW2. It might just be a blanket ban to protect those who made a contribution to the war effort.
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http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/naturalised-britons/

The documents are subject to 100 year closure >>>(although access can be requested under the Freedom of Information Act 2000)<<<<and only about 40% of applications in this series have survived

As long as you have the documentation to prove that he is deceased, it might be worth trying to get them opened under the FIO Act.

Thank you for your response, I have requested the info under the FOI and am awaiting a response, it takes up to 20 days.