British Military Genealogy Guides

 

Welcome to our comprehensive series of British military genealogy guides—expertly written to help you trace your military ancestors through essential records such as British Army service records, Medal Index Cards, Pension Record Cards, war diaries, regimental histories, and more. Whether you're researching soldiers who served in World War I, World War II, or earlier conflicts, these step-by-step guides offer invaluable tips, resources, and insights to unlock your family’s military past and build your British Army ancestry with confidence.

Example of a WWI medal index card used to trace British Army service records and campaign medal entitlement.

Medal Index Cards

Medal Index Cards are essential British military genealogy records that detail World War I service, regimental numbers, medal entitlements, and are a vital resource for tracing ancestors who served in the British Army during WWI.

British Army WWI service record for William Emmuel Bennis, showing enlistment details, next of kin, and regimental history.

British Army Service Records

British Army service records are invaluable British military genealogy resources that reveal detailed information about soldiers’ enlistment, service history, regiments, ranks, medical records, and family details—crucial for tracing ancestors who served in the British Army.

UK military pension record from WWI for naval serviceman, used to trace post-war benefits, family support, and casualty status.

WWI Pension Records

Pension Record Cards are key British military genealogy sources that provide detailed information on British Army soldiers who received pensions after World War I, including service details, regimental numbers, medical conditions, and next of kin—essential for tracing military ancestors.

Example of a WWII Army casualty form used in UK military service records, showing soldier’s death and next-of-kin details.

Casualty Lists and Rolls of Honour

Casualty Lists and Rolls of Honour are vital British military genealogy records that document soldiers of the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force who were killed, wounded, missing, or taken prisoner during World War I, World War II, and earlier conflicts—essential for tracing military ancestors and uncovering wartime service histories.

Leather-bound journal and map representing the process of tracing UK war records and soldier diaries

War Diaries

If you're tracing your British military ancestry, one of the most valuable but underused resources is the British regimental war diary. These historical documents offer an unparalleled look into the daily lives of soldiers, the movements of their units, and the reality of war as experienced by your British ancestor in the military.

Random digits representing the structure and significance of First World War British military service numbers.

Understanding WWI Service Numbers

If you're tracing your British military ancestry, one of the most valuable but underused resources is the British regimental war diary. These historical documents offer an unparalleled look into the daily lives of soldiers, the movements of their units, and the reality of war as experienced by your British ancestor in the military.