Research ancestors who served in the armed forces or whose lives were affected by war.
Using the Timeline: click on an event for more information, including related archives and records. A document icon appears below an event if further information is available on another timeline.
As a supplement to the timeline, here's a list of records of more general interest to those with ancestors in the forces. Click through the pages to find links that will lead you to the documents you need - ships' musters, army service records, RAF operational records, and more.
The collected records relating to a soldier's career from enlistment to discharge often contain biographical information. Records from before 1923 are with The National Archives, and records from after this date are with the Ministry of Defence.
Medical notes and service summaries are often provided when a soldier is discharged to pension after completing their period of service. Records from before 1923 are with The National Archives, and records from after this date are with the Ministry of Defence.
Each regiment in the British army in recent centuries has compiled quarterly or monthly pay lists and musters. These can be used to find out where a particular person served. Records from the 18th to the late 19th century are at The National Archives.
Information on particular military campaigns in which your ancestor might have served can be found in regimental or unit war diaries. It is rare to find other ranks (as opposed to officers) mentioned by name, although deeds of gallantry may be referred to.
Records of continuous service were introduced in 1853, although service documents from earlier periods do survive. Such records include important biographical information, as well as details of vessels on which your ancestor might have served. Records from before 1923 are with the National Archives, and records from after this date are with the Ministry of Defence.
The RAF was created in April 1918 from the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). RAF service records dated from between 1918 and 1923 are with The National Archives. Records dated after 1923 are with the Ministry of Defence. Earlier service records for RFC or RNAS are with the relevant army or navy records.
Military personnel were often awarded medals for taking part in a specific campaign, while other medals were granted for specific acts of gallantry. Nominal medal rolls and the 'London Gazette' (where gallantry awards were published) can be examined at the National Archives.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission provides burial information for all armed forces. You can also find nominal rolls of war dead, as well as regimental births, marriages and deaths, at the National Archives and at various genealogical websites.
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