If you're researching a British or Commonwealth ancestor who died in military service, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) website is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. Whether you're tracing a WWI soldier, WWII airman, or a sailor lost at sea, the CWGC can help uncover vital details — and even guide you to the location of their final resting place or commemoration.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use this free online resource to trace your fallen military ancestors.
Step-by-Step: Searching the CWGC Database
-
Visit the CWGC Website
Go to www.cwgc.org and click on “Find War Dead.” -
Enter Known Details
Fill in any of the following:-
Full name (or partial if unsure)
-
Date of death (or range)
-
Service number (if known) (Understand more here)
-
Regiment, service branch (Army, RAF, Royal Navy)
-
Nationality
-
War (WWI or WWII)
You can narrow down results using filters like cemetery, country of burial, or memorial.
-
-
Review the Results
Each result typically includes:-
Full name and rank
-
Regiment or unit
-
Service number
-
Date of death
-
Age at death
-
Grave location or memorial panel
-
Cemetery or memorial name
-
Additional notes (e.g. family info, epitaphs)
-
-
Download or Print the Record
Records can be saved as PDFs or printed — perfect for adding to your military family tree research. -
Use the Map Function
CWGC now offers map integration, allowing you to see the cemetery or memorial’s exact location — great for planning battlefield pilgrimages or remembrance visits.
Why the CWGC is Vital for Military Genealogy
-
Confirms military deaths in WWI and WWII
-
Provides accurate service information
-
Offers clues about family relationships (next of kin listed)
-
Helps locate war cemeteries and memorials
-
A springboard for deeper research in service records, war diaries, and medal rolls
What You Can’t Find on CWGC
The CWGC does not provide full service records. For those, you'll need to apply to the Ministry of Defence or consult The National Archives. However, the CWGC entry often gives you the date of death, unit, and rank — crucial for locating additional documents.
Let History Recon Help You Go Further
At History Recon, we don’t just stop at the CWGC record. We go beyond the headstone — helping you piece together your ancestor’s full military journey. Whether they served in the British Army, Royal Navy, or Royal Air Force, we use the CWGC as a starting point to uncover service histories, unit actions, battlefield locations, and personal stories.
If you'd prefer expert guidance, see our military research packages to get detailed assistance from our genealogists.