If you're trying to trace a family member who served in the Royal Air Force or Royal Navy during World War Two, you're not alone. Many British families have wartime connections to these two vital services — and with the right research strategy, you can uncover a wealth of information about your ancestor’s role in the war.
Where to Start Your Research
To begin tracking your RAF or Royal Navy ancestor, it helps to gather as much initial detail as possible — names, dates of birth, service numbers, home addresses, or any medals or documents that might survive in the family. Even a photograph in uniform can provide useful clues.
Finding Royal Air Force WW2 Service Records
RAF WW2 service records are held by the Ministry of Defence and are not yet available online. However, you can apply for them through a formal request. You'll typically need:
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Full name and date of birth (or death)
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A copy of the death certificate (or proof of death)
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A completed request form and fee
These records often include enlistment dates, ranks, training, promotions, units served with, and discharge details. If your ancestor served in RAF Bomber Command, Fighter Command, or overseas squadrons, their postings can help you build a detailed picture of their wartime experience.
For officers or casualties, check the London Gazette, which often lists commissions, awards, or mentions in dispatches.
Tracing Royal Navy Ancestors in WW2
Royal Navy service records for WW2 are also held by the MOD. Like RAF files, they require a formal application. These records include:
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Dates and places of service
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Ship names and shore establishments
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Ranks, trades, and conduct records
Once you know the ships or units, you can dig into Royal Navy ship logs, action reports, and even convoy records, many of which are held at The National Archives or are available via digitised databases.
If your ancestor was a Royal Marine, a Fleet Air Arm pilot, or served in Combined Operations, these branches often have separate, detailed documentation.
Don’t Overlook These Key Sources
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Commonwealth War Graves Commission: For sailors and airmen who died in service.
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Medal records and campaign stars: These can reveal theatres of operation, such as the Atlantic, Arctic, Mediterranean, or Burma.
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Unit war diaries and operational records books (ORBs): Especially for RAF squadrons — these offer daily reports and mission logs.
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Family letters, diaries, or oral history: These can sometimes fill in the personal stories official records lack.
Let History Recon Help
At History Recon, we specialise in RAF and Royal Navy ancestor research, helping you unlock the full story behind your relative’s wartime service. Whether you’re just starting your search or need help interpreting complex documents, we provide expert guidance grounded in historical accuracy.
We use a combination of MOD records, The National Archives, and other archival resources to track British military ancestors in WW2, including lesser-known naval operations or airfields overseas.