The affects of war can be long lasting. The British Red Cross is still restoring family links broken during World War II and by the Cold War.
Records of people affected during World War II
The British Red Cross works together with its partners in the International Tracing Service (ITS). The ITS is different from the international tracing and message service (ITMS). While ITMS deal with tracing requests from around the world, ITS only collects and provides information on civilians who suffered on German occupied territory during World War II. ITS holds records on the following groups:
- Detainees of concentration camps and other places of detention under the command of the Reichsfuhrer-SS on German territory and on German-occupied territories from 1933 to 1945
- Jewish deportees during the Nazi period
- Foreigners who were on German territory from 1939 to 1945
- Displaced persons who, after World War II, were under the care of international relief organisations (such as UNRRA, IRO etc.) mainly on the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Great Britain
- Children of those listed above and displaced or separated from their parents as a result of the war, or were born on Germany territory during the war
What information is required?
The more information provided, the easier it will be for the Red Cross to find the missing person. An enquirer will be given a form to complete, which will help the Red Cross to deal with the request. Names and addresses are of course crucial, especially if names have changed and been spelt differently, or if cover names and pseudonyms have been used. If possible, information on whereabouts during detention, places and periods of forced employment, together with family details should also be supplied.
All information is kept strictly confidential. Details will only be disclosed to third parties with the written consent of the person concerned.
What is the cost?
These Red Cross services are free.
How long does the work take?
The Red Cross will always work as quickly, efficiently and thoroughly as possible. The nature of the records and access to them do however mean that enquiries can take time. The Red Cross will however not stop working on an enquirer's behalf until all avenues have been exhausted. Should new or additional information be received long after the enquiry is made, the Red Cross will inform the enquirer without them needing to contact the Red Cross again.
Assistance on compensation claims
The British Red Cross can give advice on how to find out about possible entitlements to compensation, and may also be able to provide information on periods of detention.
Next steps
To trace family members please contact your nearest Red Cross Branch. They will also be able to provide you with a special questionnaire, to be used should you wish the British Red Cross to make contact on your behalf with the International Tracing Service.
To find out more, go to the resources section where you will find over 50 organisations who may also be able to help. | 
