Hi John ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Plester" <john@plester.info> >I was recently shown a birth certificate that has had information deleted - but not quite ! > The name of the father has been struck-through - although it is still quite visible - and the > number (9) written next to it. > Other information has also been struck-through and the numbers (10) (11) and (12) written next to > the deletions. > I can understand why information may have been deleted (although it almost seems as though > someone meant it to remain as it's > readable with a little effort) but I don't know the meaning of the numbers. > > Can someone please add to my knowledge in this matter ? > > Regards,> > John. You do not give the source of this certificate - G.R.O or local Register Office, nor whether it is a typed/handwritten copy of the entry or a certificate incorporating a photocopy of the original entry from the quarterly return (G.R.O.) or from the register (local office). Correction numbers in registers run consecutively throughout the register, and the series created thus unique to any individual register. Each number refers to a marginal note(which should be, if room, against the particular entry) A marginal note to the entry (even if just the initials of the person making the alteration) should be reproduced in the certificate of the entry and thus you should contact the source of the certificate and ask for a fresh certificate. Initials (& date?) only are required for corrections made *before* the entry is completed: after the entry has been completed by signatures then the marginal note *must* include the reason for the correction, registrar's signature and date. Kind regards, John Henley