HS 11–HS 20: Understanding the Original SOE Indexes

The Nature of SOE Archival Records

Researching the Special Operations Executive (SOE) requires navigating a complex array of records held primarily at The National Archives (TNA) in Kew, London. The records are categorized under the HS prefix, which denotes the Records of the Special Operations Executive. Because the SOE operated in extreme secrecy during the Second World War, its documentation was often fragmented, redacted, or organized through specific indexing systems to protect the identities of agents and the security of missions.

The HS Indexing System

The ‘HS’ series is the primary repository for SOE’s wartime activities. While the series spans a vast range of numbers, the early and mid-range indexes (such as those falling within the HS 11–HS 20 range and beyond) serve as the gateways to more specific files. These indexes are essential for historians and genealogists because they provide the cross-references needed to locate specific personnel files, operational reports, and country-section communications.

Personnel Files and the PF Series

One of the most critical components of the HS records is the Personnel Files (PF Series), such as those found in HS 9 [1]. These files are the primary source for biographical data on SOE agents and staff. Depending on the individual, these files may contain:

• Service Records: Documentation of the individual’s role and duration of service.
• Medical Reports: Health assessments and fitness for duty.
• Appraisals: Evaluations of an agent’s performance and their suitability for specific roles or clandestine environments.
• Visual Records: Passport-style photographs of the subject.
• Activity Reports: Detailed accounts of the agent’s actions in the field.

It is important for researchers to note that the contents of these files vary significantly. In some instances, a file may only contain a brief note indicating that an individual was considered for service but not ultimately recruited [1].

Researching the HS Series

Navigating the HS indexes requires a systematic approach. Because agents often operated under codenames or aliases, searching solely by legal name may not always yield results. Researchers are encouraged to use the National Archives’ catalogue to browse the HS series, starting with the broader indexes to find the specific file references (such as the PF series) associated with a person or operation [1].

Challenges in Archival Research

The SOE’s commitment to security meant that many documents were destroyed at the end of the war or remained classified for decades. Consequently, the absence of a record in the HS index does not necessarily mean an individual did not serve; it may simply mean the records were not preserved or remain restricted. Cross-referencing HS files with other wartime records, such as those from the Intelligence Services or the military, is often necessary to build a complete historical picture.