The First World War was a defining moment in British history and the lives of those who served in the British Army during this time have been documented in archives across the country. For family historians and other researchers, these archives are a valuable source of information about the service of their ancestors. Here is a guide to exploring the archives and finding British Army WW1 service records.
Searching Online Databases
The first step in finding British Army WW1 service records is to search online databases such as Ancestry or Find My Past. These databases contain millions of records from around the world, including those relating to the British Army during WW1. By searching for your ancestor’s name, you can find out where they served and what rank they held. You can also find out if they were awarded any medals or citations for their service.
Visiting Local Archives
Another way to find out more about your ancestor’s service is to visit local archives. Many local archives have collections of documents relating to WW1, including service records, letters, diaries and photographs. Visiting an archive can be a great way to get a more detailed picture of your ancestor’s life during this time.
Requesting Records from The National Archives
The National Archives in Kew holds many records relating to the British Army during WW1, including service records and medal rolls. To access these records you will need to submit a request form online or by post. It is important to note that some records may be restricted due to data protection laws, so it is best to check with The National Archives before submitting your request.
Exploring the archives can be a rewarding experience for family historians and other researchers looking for information about their ancestors’ service during WW1. By searching online databases, visiting local archives and requesting records from The National Archives, you can find out more about your ancestor’s life during this time and gain a better understanding of their experiences in the British Army.
This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.
