What services does History Recon offer?

History Recon offers professional British military genealogy research, including WWI and WWII service records, medal rolls, casualty lists, and personalised gift packages.

Can I trace my ancestor’s military service without a regiment or service number?

Yes. Even if you only have a name or location, we can use clues such as medal cards, enlistment patterns, and war diaries to trace your ancestor’s military history.

Are your services suitable as a gift?

Absolutely. Our research packages make meaningful gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or Remembrance Day, and are beautifully presented in digital formats ideal for printing and framing.

How to Trace Your British Ancestor’s Service in the Second World War

If you’re trying to trace a British ancestor who served in the Second World War, this page brings together everything you need to get started. Whether they were in the Army, RAF, Royal Navy, Home Guard, or ATS, we’ll help you understand the records available, where to find them, and how to piece together their wartime story.

Getting Started with WWII Service Records

Balance scales – weighing the challenges and opportunities of researching British WWII service records

What Records Exist – and Where to Find Them

Don’t worry — it’s one of the most common problems. Start here:

Most WWII service records are still held by the Ministry of Defence — but don’t worry, we explain the process and show what you can expect to uncover.

👉 How to Apply for a WWII Service Record

👉 Interpreting a WWII Army Record

Want an expert to trace your ancestor? Explore our research services.

Researching RAF Ancestors

WWII RAF Typhoon aircraft – tracing Royal Air Force service and squadron history during the Second World War

Tracing Royal Air Force Service in WWII

From Bomber Command to ground crew, RAF records require a slightly different approach. These guides will help you identify squadron movements, logbooks, and aircrew roles.

⏳ Coming soon: How to Trace an RAF Ancestor from WWII

⏳ Coming soon: Understanding RAF Squadron Records

Royal Navy, Merchant Navy & Coastal Forces

Second World War British merchant ship at sea – tracing naval and merchant navy service records during WWII

Researching Naval Service in the Second World War

Naval personnel leave behind unique service papers and ship logs. We’ll explain how to access these records and what they reveal.

⏳ Tracing a WWII Royal Navy Ancestor

⏳ Coming soon: Using Ship Logs and Naval Operations Reports

Home Front, Home Guard, and ATS Records

WWII British Home Guard soldier in uniform – tracing wartime service on the home front including the ATS and Civil Defence

Not Everyone Fought Overseas

Many served in vital roles at home. Whether your ancestor was in the Home Guard, ATS, Civil Defence, or Land Army, we cover what you can find.

⏳ Coming soon: Guide to Home Guard and ATS Records

⏳ Coming soon: Understanding Civil Defence and ARP Service

POWs, Decorations, and Casualties

WWII prisoner of war behind bars – tracing British soldiers who were captured, wounded, or honoured during the Second World War

Was Your Relative Captured, Injured or Decorated?

Explore how to find POW records, campaign medals, casualty lists, and stories of those who never returned.

⏳ Coming soon: Tracing a WWII Prisoner of War

⏳ What WWII Medal Records Can Reveal

Don’t Have Time? Let Us Help

Professional WWII Military Research Services

If you’d prefer expert help, explore our affordable research packages:

🧾 View Research Packages

💌 Gift Packages

Tracing a WWII British Army ancestor can be complex, but with the right guidance and tools, it’s possible to uncover their wartime story in remarkable detail. Use the blogs above or get in touch for personalised support. Their story deserves to be told.

Or, return to start tracing