British Army Service Records: WWI & WWII Guide

A soldier’s service record is the official log of their military career. These files contain personal details, medical history, unit assignments, discipline notes, promotions, and more. For genealogists, they offer a treasure trove of insights into an ancestor’s time in uniform.

This guide explains what survives from both World Wars, how to access these records, and how to interpret them.

Understanding British Army Service Papers Pdf
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Download our free guide to understanding British Army service records — and start uncovering your family’s military story.

Flames representing the WWI soldier service records lost during German bombing raids on London archives

WWI "Burnt Series" (WO 363): What You Need to Know

Of the 6.5 million British Army service records created during WWI, approximately 60% were destroyed during the Blitz in 1940. The surviving documents fall into two main groups:

 

  • WO 363 – "Burnt Series": Heavily damaged by fire and water.

  • WO 364 – Pension Records: For men discharged due to wounds or illness.

These records are held at The National Archives and are also digitized on Ancestry and Findmypast.co.uk.

WW2 photo of UK artillery crew, ideal for illustrating research into British Army service records and unit movements

How to Apply for WWII Service Records (MoD Requirements)

Most British Army WWII service records remain closed. However, you can request copies from the Ministry of Defence if:

 

  • The soldier died over 25 years ago.

  • You provide proof of death (e.g., certificate).

 

Apply for WWII records

Need some help tracing your relatives WWII service? 

WWII British soldiers marching with rifles and bicycles, ideal for military records search and tracing service history

Military Records Search

1. Attestation Form (Enlistment)

  • Name, date of birth, occupation

  • Physical description

  • Next of kin

2. Statement of Services

  • Unit assignments with dates

  • Promotions and transfers

  • Campaign history

3. Medical and Casualty Forms

  • Wounds, diseases, and treatments

  • Hospital admissions and evacuations

4. Disciplinary Notes

  • Charges (AWOL, insubordination)

  • Sentences and punishments

5. Discharge Details

  • Reason for discharge

  • Pension entitlement notes

We offer a FREE and far more detailed version of how to understand British Army service papers here:

Open book symbolising a glossary of British Army military terms and abbreviations used in service records

Glossary of terms & abbreviations

T.O.S: Taken on Strength (added to unit)

S.O.S: Struck off Strength (removed from unit)

B.E.F: British Expeditionary Force

Depot: Home or training base

G.S.W: Gunshot Wound

C.C.S: Casualty Clearing Station

A.F.W. 123: Army Form W.123 (Medical Board)

BFH: British Field Hospital

Bn: Battalion

GSC: General Service Corp

OC: Officer Commanding

Class Z: Army Reserve

Example of a British Militia attestation paper from before WWI, used to trace early army enlistment records

Understanding attestation forms

A British Army attestation form is a formal document filled out and signed by a recruit upon entering the army. It serves as a declaration of their commitment to service, including swearing an oath of allegiance and providing personal information, including proof of identity and blood type. 

 

  • Formal Declaration:

    The form documents the recruit's decision to join the army and their commitment to serving the Crown. 
     

  • Oath of Allegiance:

    It includes the formal swearing of an oath of allegiance to the monarch, promising faithfulness and allegiance. 
     

  • Personal Information:

    The form gathers various personal details, such as name, address, date of birth, previous employment, and potentially even blood type. 
     

  • Proof of Identity:

    Recruits typically need to provide documents like passports or utility bills as proof of identity. 
     

  • Service Records:

    The completed form becomes a key part of the individual's service record, used to document their time in the army. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many WWI British Army service records were lost in the Blitz?

During the Second World War, a German air raid on London in September 1940 destroyed around 60% of British Army service records from the First World War. These are often referred to as the “Burnt Documents”. Only about 2.8 million files survived (WO 363 and WO 364 at The National Archives). If your ancestor’s file was destroyed, you may still find useful details in medal rolls, pension ledgers, regimental war diaries, and casualty lists, which can act as substitutes when the full record no longer exists.

Can I request my great-grandfather’s WWII service record, and how?

Yes. Most WWII British Army service records are still held by the UK Ministry of Defence. To access them, you need to submit an official request through the MOD’s service records portal. You’ll usually need the soldier’s full name, date of birth, and service number (if known). If the serviceman died more than 25 years ago, anyone can apply. If he died more recently, the request must come from the next of kin. These records can reveal postings, promotions, medical history, and conduct sheets, making them the most authoritative source for tracing a WWII soldier’s career.

What’s the difference between a Statement of Service and an Attestation Form?

An Attestation Form (often called an Army Form B.2712 or equivalent) records the soldier’s enlistment details—such as date of joining, address, next of kin, and any prior service. The Statement of Service is a chronological summary of a soldier’s career in the Army, including unit postings, transfers, promotions, and discharge information. For researchers, the Attestation Form is vital for family context, while the Statement of Service provides the backbone of a soldier’s military timeline.

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