David Irving's research frequently involved travel to archives and libraries to access primary source materials. These trips were often essential for his historical investigations and formed a significant part of his working life. The excerpts below detail some of these journeys, the logistics involved, and the people who assisted him.
Irving's archive research trips were often funded through tour income and book sales. They involved considerable logistical planning, including transportation, accommodation, and assistance from staff and supporters. These trips were crucial for his self-proclaimed "primary research standard" and the development of his historical narratives.
* 2015: A Lisbon representative expressed interest in including Irving's diary in the discovery process, suggesting potential access and scrutiny of his research methods. denial_screenplay_2015 * 2017 (May-Oct): Irving undertook a tour with stops in St. Louis, Missouri, Salzburg, Austria, and Vienna, Austria. He was met in Salzburg by Archduke Valentine and his wife Christina, and spent several days with them. diary_2017_may_oct * 2017 (August 19): A train trip to Salzburg, Austria, to visit Archduke Valentine and his wife Christina. diary_2017_may_oct * 2017 (October-November): Gabrielle Nicklas was assisting with shipping books and maintaining a driver's license, indicating ongoing logistical support for Irving's activities. diary_2017_oct_nov * 2017: Kevin M. DeVos wrote to Irving, suggesting a short excursion for his family and mentioning annual trips to Bastogne to pay respects to WWII veterans. diary_2017_may_oct * 2022: Plans were being considered for a Latvia and Eastern Europe tour. diary_2022_jan_staugustine * 2021: A correspondent inquired about where to meet in Riga, Latvia, indicating a planned or potential trip. diary_2021
The nature of Irving's research trips evolved over time, shifting from more extensive international travel to more localized efforts, potentially due to logistical or financial constraints. The reliance on assistants like Gabrielle Nicklas and Paloma also highlights the increasing complexity of managing these trips.