Medal Index Cards (MIC)

Medal Index Cards are often the first and most accessible step in uncovering the military service of British Army soldiers who served in the First World War. These cards provide essential details about a soldier's medals, regiment, and more. This WWI medal card guide will help you read and interpret your medal card.

Example of WW1 MIC showing 1915 Star and service in Asiatic theatre, ideal for tracing KIA soldier records online

What are Medal Index Cards (MIC)?

Medal Index Cards (MICs) were created by the British Army to record medal entitlement for personnel who served during World War I. The cards document:

  • Eligibility for campaign medals (e.g., 1914 Star, 1914–15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal)

  • Basic identifying information

  • Sometimes brief service details

There are approximately 5 million MICs, now held at The National Archives (WO 372 series) and available through platforms like Ancestry, Findmypast, and The National Archives' Discovery catalogue.

WWI British Army medal trio: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal, essential for tracing soldier records

Types of Medals Listed

1914 Star: For service in France/Flanders between 5 Aug–22 Nov 1914

1914–15 Star: For service between 5 Aug 1914–31 Dec 1915 (outside UK)

British War Medal: For service between 5 Aug 1914–11 Nov 1918

Victory Medal: Awarded to all who received the British War Medal

Silver War Badge: For those discharged due to wounds or illness

Stack of historical documents representing British Army service records and WW1 Medal Index Cards

How to Read MIC's

MICs are handwritten and often use abbreviations. Here's a breakdown of typical fields:

 

Name: Full name of the soldier

Regimental Number: Unique number issued by each regiment

Rank: At time of medal qualification (may differ from final rank)

Regiment or Corps: Multiple entries indicate transfers

Medals Awarded: Stars, War and Victory medals listed here

Theatre of War First Served In: Sometimes shown (e.g., France)

Date of Entry: When they first entered a theatre of war

Remarks: Includes references to SWB (Silver War Badge), discharge, death, or pension info

References: Medal rolls or service records held elsewhere

Explaining how to decode British Army record abbreviations and military terms used in WWI/WWII documents

MIC Abbreviations Explained

SWB: Silver War Badge

TF: Territorial Force

RFA: Royal Field Artillery

RE: Royal Engineers

KIA: Killed in Action

DOW: Died of Wounds

DoD: Date of Death

TE: Time Expired (end of terms of service)

RTD: The medals were undeliverable

EM: Mentioned in dispatches

IV: Filing code (of no importance)

NW: Filing code (of no importance)

Helpful tips for interpreting WW1 Medal Index Cards and understanding British Army military records

Tips for Interpreting MICs

 

  1. Multiple Entries – If more than one regiment is listed, the soldier transferred during service.

  2. Check the Roll References – These point to full medal rolls, which may include battalion details.

  3. Compare with Service Records – If available, they offer fuller context.

  4. Use the Regiment and Number – These can help locate war diaries and unit histories.

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or any other British Army ancestor here