How to Find a Family Member Who Served in World War One: A Guide to Tracing Your British Military Ancestors

Why Trace Your WW1 Ancestors?

World War One had a profound impact on families across Britain and the Commonwealth. Over six million men served in the British Army during the conflict, and chances are high that someone in your family played a role—whether on the Western Front, in Gallipoli, Mesopotamia, East Africa, or at sea with the Royal Navy or in the air with the Royal Flying Corps. Learning about their service can provide a deeply personal connection to history.

What Military Records Are Available?

We specialise in locating and interpreting WW1 military service records, including:

• British Army service records

• Medal Index Cards and Medal Rolls

• War diaries and unit histories

• Pension and casualty records

• Silver War Badge rolls

• Commonwealth War Graves Commission entries

• Absent Voter Lists and 1911 Census data

Even if a soldier’s service record was destroyed during the Blitz (as many were), we use a variety of sources to reconstruct their story with historical accuracy and depth.

Why Use a Specialist Military Genealogy Service?

Unlike general family tree websites that offer broad but shallow access to records, our service is focused specifically on military research. We understand British Army structures, regimental movements, and wartime contexts—essential when piecing together the details of your ancestor’s experience.

We don’t just provide documents—we explain what they mean. We’ll tell you where your ancestor served, what battles they fought in, and what decorations they may have received. You’ll receive a clearly presented, narrative-style report you can share with your family and preserve for future generations.

Personalised Support—No Subscriptions, No Guesswork

Our service is flexible and affordable, with transparent pricing and a personal approach. Whether you want help identifying a uniform in a photo or need a full wartime biography, we tailor our research to your specific goals. You won’t need to navigate confusing databases or pay for recurring subscriptions—we do the hard work for you.

Ready to Discover Your WW1 Military Ancestor?

Get in touch today to begin your journey. Whether your relative served on the Somme, in Ypres, or further afield, we’ll help you find the story behind the name. We combine archival expertise, historical insight, and genuine passion for military history to ensure you receive a service that’s accurate, respectful, and deeply personal.