Records arranged according to AWM Library subject classification, 1914-18 War, alpha-numeric series

AWM252 is an artificial series containing files of original,
carbon copy and printed material arranged by subject according to a
subject classification scheme devised by the AWM Library. The series
contains files of correspondence, notes, reports, extracts from war
diaries, printed booklets and leaflets. The series includes a few
early Department of Defence Central Administration registered files
and Australian War Records Section classification sub-section files.
The contents mainly relate to 1914-18 War operational and
administrative activities.

These files have been removed from the series AWM27, `Records
arranged according to the AWM Library classification system' and
registered as a separate series. A note found at the beginning of
the run indicates the files were to be classified and catalogued into
the "classified files, War of 1914-18". Some of the items have notes
pinned to the front cover indicating the subject category of the
particular file. Most of these correlate with subject categories
found in the AWM Library classification system. This arrangement
appears to have been done with the intention of completely processing
the files into AWM27's decimal classification numbering system,
however the work was never completed. In July 1993, the decision was
made to register the items as a separate series because no decimal
classification numbers had actually been allocated, and the work to
fully process the material through the classification system could
not be justified.

The files were originally stored in a metal filing cabinet, separate
from the main AWM27 run. In 1981 they were removed from the cabinet,
boxed and listed as part of an access examination project. In 1987
the files were sorted into arrangement according to the various
subject categories allocated to each item. The alpha-numeric
sequence [A1]-[A259] was imposed on each file cover at this time to
provide item level control. A brief subject index to items has been
prepared to assist researchers in using the series.

• AWM252 A169 - [Records arranged according to AWM Library subject classification, 1914-18 War] Operations - France and Flanders: Difficulties in regard to employment of American Units in the following engagements: 1) Battle of Hamel, 4 July 1918; 2) Participation of 131st Infantry in British operations, 4 August 1918 (reference to Australian operations)