Imperial War Museum

<< Find out more by using the links on the left

On board a battleship, November 1942 (IWM Neg: TR 324)

To trace a sailor you need to know which ship or shore establishment he served with, and when.  It would have been usual for sailors to serve on more than one vessel, and they would also have spent some time at a naval base on land.  You may already have information about this, or you might have paperwork or family lore that will help you.  This information is crucial and you will need to find this out before you can proceed further. 

Take a look at Naval Service Records for more information on how to find your relative’s record.

If you are tracing a sailor who died, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's 'Debt of Honour Register'  should be your starting point.