Unlocking your family’s past often leads to a uniform. Whether it’s a grandfather who served in the trenches of WWI or a distant ancestor who fought in the Napoleonic Wars, military records are among the most detailed and emotional documents you can find.
In the UK, the “paper trail” is extensive, but it is spread across different archives depending on the era and the branch of service. Here is your step-by-step guide to finding your British military ancestors.
1. Start with the Basics: What Do You Already Know?
Before you dive into the archives, gather every scrap of information from home. Military records are indexed by:
- Full Name (and any middle names)
- Approximate Date of Birth
- Regiment or Branch (Army, Royal Navy, RAF)
- Service Number (This is the “Golden Ticket” that makes searching 100x easier)
Pro Tip: Look at the back of old family photos or check the rims of any medals passed down; the service number and regiment are often engraved there.
2. The Great Divide: Pre-1920 vs. Post-1920
UK records are generally split into two categories based on when your ancestor served.
For Ancestors who served BEFORE 1920 (WWI and earlier):
Most of these records are held by The National Archives (TNA) in Kew, but they have been digitised and are searchable on major genealogy sites.
- The “Burnt Documents”: Sadly, about 60% of WWI service records were destroyed by fire during the Blitz in 1940. If you can’t find a full service record, don’t panic!
- Medal Index Cards: Almost everyone who served overseas in WWI received medals. These cards survived the fire and confirm the regiment and rank.
- Where to look: Ancestry.co.uk and Findmypast.co.uk (subscriptions required, but often free at local libraries).
For Ancestors who served AFTER 1920 (WWII to present):
These records are still being transferred to The National Archives. Many are still held by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
- The Change in Access: Recently, the MoD removed the £30 administration fee, making it free to request these records!
- How to apply: You can apply online via GOV.UK. If the person is deceased, you will usually need to provide a death certificate (unless they were born more than 116 years ago).
3. Key Resources You Can’t Ignore
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC): If your ancestor died in service during WWI or WWII, this is the first place to look. It’s free and tells you exactly where they are buried or commemorated.
- The London Gazette: This is the official “newspaper of record.” Search here for mentions of promotions, gallantry awards (like the Victoria Cross or Military Cross), or “Mentions in Despatches.”
- Forces War Records: A specialist site that is particularly good for finding ancestors in niche units or those mentioned in casualty lists.
- Regimental Museums: If you know the specific regiment (e.g., The Black Watch or the Royal Artillery), their local museums often hold “unofficial” diaries, photographs, and letters that provide the “human” side of the story.
4. Reading Between the Lines: What Will You Find?
A full service record (the Attestation Paper) is a treasure trove. It often includes:
- Physical Description: Height, chest measurement, hair/eye colour, and even tattoos.
- Medical History: Injuries sustained or illnesses (common in tropical postings).
- Disciplinary Record: Did they go AWOL for a day? Were they promoted for bravery?
- Family Details: Often lists next of kin, marriage dates, and children.
5. Summary Checklist for Your Search
- Search the CWGC to see if they died in service.
- Check Ancestry/Findmypast for WWI Medal Index Cards.
- Apply to the MoD/National Archives for WWII records (if you are next of kin).
- Search the 1921 Census (on Findmypast) to see if they were stationed in barracks at that time.
- Visit the National Archives Discovery Catalogue to see what “Unit War Diaries” exist to see what their specific battalion was doing on a specific day.
Final Thought
Researching military ancestors is more than just dates and ranks; it’s about reclaiming a story of service. Even if the records were “burnt,” there is almost always a trail to be found if you look in the right places. Happy hunting!
Why not let us help you trace your family member’s Military History