DeepStore Records Management, as the approved remote depository for The National Archives, has been entrusted to provide secure storage for a large volume of First World War records.
Documents from the war include regimental and individual service records, medical records and medal award index cards and associated files. Copies of original letters to families and loved ones from soldiers serving on the front line are also contained within the collection.
The majority of the records are stored in digital format and can be viewed through The National Archives’ First World War website www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/firstworldwar, although historians still retrieve hard copies for individual research projects and exhibits.
Craig Trimby, DeepStore’s head of sales, said: “DeepStore has been working in partnership with the National Archives since 2003 storing a wide range of items of great historical interest. We are extremely proud to be involved with such important documents, especially in this centenary year of the start of WWI.”
The records are stored under tightly controlled environmental conditions in the DeepStore facility, which is based in Britain’s largest salt mine in Winsford, Cheshire.
Part of the Compass Minerals group, DeepStore developed the underground storage facility from the space left following the extraction of millions of tonnes of rock salt from sister company Salt Union’s mine.
The mine, 150 metres below ground, is ideal for storing documents as it has consistent temperature and humidity levels that meet the specifications of British Standard PD5454. Its storage areas also are naturally free from ultraviolet light, vermin and flooding.
