The National Archives (TNA)

canberra wrote:

What do you mean by "record of operations"? Im assuming you meant the RAF F540, these are in the National Archives.

That's the bit I'm not certain about. Form 540 is Summary of Events and there is also Record of Events (which records aircraft and aircrew details for each missions/operation)
My assumption was that Record of Operations was an incorrect term for Record of Events but it may be something slightly different as there were a number of other forms relating to operations

Although the Squadron ORBs are now more readable online there are still times when purchase is required. At £3.50 per month for the majority, some just being a single page of actual detail, this can be quite steep. However there are a few squadrons where the WHOLE ORB is available for £3.50.

For those with a leaning towards airborne units the following contains Form 540 AND Form 541, about 400 pages of PDF!

296 Squadron
297 Squadron
298 Squadron

For airborne units there is a surprising amount of interesting snippets in there, particularly regarding the use of some airfields as a drop zone. There is also a bit about radar training and the use of Rebecca (she got around a bit!) and even Talking Rebecca! From my point of view there was a surprising amount about the use of bombing and firing ranges, more than most bombing squadrons record. They had a secondary role as bombers and indeed the tugs for the Pegasus Bridge glider drop, on 5/6th June 1944, carried on to bomb an installation at Caen with small bombs, to disguise their true intention.

There are a few other squadrons where the full ORB is in one PDF but I can't recall the others I viewed, although I think 618 Sqn was one.

Peter wrote:

There are a few other squadrons where the full ORB is in one PDF but I can't recall the others I viewed, although I think 618 Sqn was one.

Correct April 1943 to 23rd December 1945, 219 pages

I recently went to the TNA after a two year gap, not much has changed except:

1) You can now order 12 documents in advance rather than 6 (although you could order if from the same series) - Hurray!
2) The restaurant is slightly smaller and darker!
3) The research area seems to have shrunk dramatically with fewer terminals. I have only used it once for the library.
4) Many of the lockers have digital locks - These are okay but fail miserably if you mistype your code number without noticing as I have done elsewhere. I assume if you put this to staff they won't believe you. In my case tested it before use So I suspect to this day nobody can open that locker
5) the number of ducks seem to have reduced but the friendly Heron was still there.

Yes, anyone can go there. To read original documents you need a readers ticket, which can be obtained on the day, before you can order original documents. The staff are very helpful if it is your first time there but make sure you bring with you the acceptable forms of ID to get a readers ticket. Normally this is proof of identity and proof of address but check the TNA website just in case as it can be a wasted trip if you have the wrong documents. It is worth the trip just to see the originals although some can be infuriatingly lacking in detail.

I'm not sure about the Form 540s but I have suspect most will be on the 30 year rule. Most Squadron 540s can be viewed through a logo covered screen online via the TNA Discovery search engine - which can be fickle. Discovery will tell you which Station ORBs are available to view but these are not viewable online.

discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk

If you do go take heed of the do's and don't's as the roving staff watch you like hawks! Also take a camera to photo anything of interest, a smart phone will do but test it first as light levels can be low. Make sure the phone is on silent.

Might be worth seeing if they do any introductory classes / tours. Our local archive regularly have days when they put a selection of documents on display (usually with a theme) and take you behind the scenes to see the strongroom and conservation area.

I have found all archives helpful with people unfamiliar with the system. Some are strict with the "no bags" rule (presumably TNA are) but others use common sense especially once they get to know you.

Remember you can donate / deposit items. I have given quite a few things to the local archive, mostly trivial things that would have gone in the bin but I knew they were unlikely to have copies. Also when I have researched something I give them a copy.