British Military Casualty Lists and Rolls of Honour: A Guide for Genealogy Research

Casualty Lists and Rolls of Honour are essential resources for anyone researching British military genealogy. These records provide vital information about British Army soldiers, sailors, and airmen who were killed, wounded, missing, or taken prisoner during military service—especially in World War I and World War II.

What Are Casualty Lists?

Casualty Lists are official military records published by the British War Office and other service branches. They detail servicemen who became casualties in action, including:

Killed in action
Wounded in action
Missing in action
Died of wounds or disease
Prisoners of war

These lists were often published in newspapers, military gazettes, and government bulletins during both World Wars. They typically include a soldier’s name, rank, regimental number, unit or regiment, and casualty status, making them invaluable for tracing military ancestors.

What Are Rolls of Honour?

Rolls of Honour are commemorative records listing the names of British servicemen and women who died in service, often compiled by:

Local communities
Schools and universities
Churches
Employers
Military units and regiments

They are frequently inscribed on war memorials, published in memorial books, or included in unit histories. Rolls of Honour can provide not only the name, rank, and unit, but sometimes personal tributes, photographs, and family information.

Why Use Casualty Records in Military Genealogy?

Casualty Lists and Rolls of Honour are key tools in tracing British military ancestors, especially when:

You're seeking confirmation of a soldier’s fate during WWI or WWII.
You want to find a date and place of death or wounding.
You're building a timeline of wartime service.
You're locating a relative on a war memorial or in a military cemetery.

These records can help supplement British Army service records, Medal Index Cards, and Pension Records, offering a more complete picture of a soldier's life and legacy.

Where to Find British Casualty Lists and Rolls of Honour

There are several key archives and websites for accessing these valuable military records:

The National Archives (UK) – holds digitized and original casualty lists.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) – searchable database of war dead and cemeteries.
Imperial War Museum – collections include Rolls of Honour and memorial registers.
Regimental Museums – often preserve regimental Rolls of Honour and war diaries.

Tips for Using Casualty Records in Your Research

Search with variant spellings of names and initials, as listings may vary.
Combine searches with regimental numbers and units for accurate results.
Cross-reference with service records and medal rolls for context.
Look into local memorials and parish records for personalized tributes.