Imperial War Museum

When the Imperial War Museum was founded in 1917, one of its functions was to be a memorial to those who had died and suffered in the First World War. The Museum has since expanded its remit to include all conflicts, concentrating on British and Commonwealth involvement from 1914 to the present day.

Using our Archives for your research

The Imperial War Museum archives offer a wealth of material for the family history researcher. Follow the links on the left of this page to find out how our collections can help with your search. Or simply click on the links to the right of this page to download advice on how to use our archives to research your family history.

Archives and the Collections

The Museum archives are held by the Collecting Departments - see the Collections page for more information. Full details on our study facilities can be found on the Reference Services page.

Please note: The 'Soldiers
Died in the Great War'
website is not
administered by the
Imperial War Museum

Family History Notes - downloadable guides to researching your family history

[PDF] Tracing Merchant Navy Ancestry (133 Kb)
Downloadable information sheet on tracing Merchant Navy personnel.

[PDF] Tracing Royal Navy Ancestry (128 Kb)
Downloadable information sheet on tracing Royal Navy personnel.

[PDF] Tracing POWs (134 Kb)

[PDF] Tracing Army Ancestry pdf (136 Kb)
The essential guide on where to begin tracing Army personnel.

[PDF] Tracing Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force Ancestry (69 Kb)
Downloadable information sheet on tracing RFC and RAF personnel.

[PDF] Tracing West Indian Service Personnel (249 Kb)
Downloadable information sheet on tracing West Indian's who served with the British Armed Forces