The British Army has undergone a number of re-organisations throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, with units expanding, disbanding, merging or being re-named. Many personnel records from the First World War were destroyed or damaged during the Second World War. Personnel who served in subsequent conflicts may still be alive so their records remain confidential. This can make it difficult to trace an individual but a variety of sources can provide clues.
- Where to find Army Service Records
- Casualty Records
- Medal Records
- Unit and operational histories
- Other sources
- Contact addresses
Download a copy of our guide to tracing your British Army ancestry.
You can also search for information about First World War servicemen and women in our permanent digital memorial, Lives of the First World War.