G'father served 1913-17, 19-41 (E280) + g'uncle (A155) 1912-17 (d. France 18)
Posts on here are very sad to read. I did get both men's files 20 years ago from David Cross, a super ex curator, motivated, knowledgable and thorough.
Record profiles changed 1913 after which they became extra-ordinarily detailed. My G'fathers files runs into some 40 pages. They contain:
References to join service
Test results for entry, character ass't
Prior employment.
Ht, weight, family, birthplace
War service, medals, regiment + number
Promotions, salary, even reprimands- G'father left a drunk to sleep it off rather than report.
Notable achievements ie G'father awarded guinea for stopping a runaway horse.
Medical treatment. G'father suggested from stomach ulcer so consultants reports, treatment results etc- every letter.
Release from service due to ill health and pension.
Photo of him 1940.
So yes it's all there for those who's ancestors served in the Birmingham Police. The personnel files are a goldmine for fam history research, and it is little short of criminal to deprive descendants of access to them, even if the reasons are understood.
Russ