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.

Military Research Tools & Tips: How to Trace Your British Army Ancestor

If you’ve discovered a name, regiment, or old service number but don’t know what to do next, this hub is for you. These research tools and practical guides will help you understand British Army service numbers, military abbreviations, medal records, and where to find hidden sources others often miss. Whether you’re just starting out or stuck at a dead end, these tips will get your research moving again.

Decoding Service Numbers & Abbreviations

Lines of computer code – decoding British Army service numbers and military record abbreviations

What That Army Number Really Means

Understanding a soldier’s service number is often the key to unlocking their entire military history.

👉 How to Use a Soldier’s Service Number to Unlock Military Records

⏳ Coming soon: Common British Army Abbreviations Explained

💡 These guides are especially useful if your ancestor’s regiment or battalion is unclear.

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

Understanding Military Records and Forms

Person reading through a historical document – understanding British Army service papers and military forms

Reading Between the Lines

WWI and WWII service records are filled with abbreviations, stamps, and codes. These tools will help make sense of them.

⏳ A Beginner’s Guide to Army Service Papers

⏳ How to Understand British Medal Index Cards and Rolls

Using War Diaries, Rolls, and Casualty Lists

Person digging with a spade – uncovering hidden details in British war diaries, medal rolls, and casualty lists

Dig Deeper with Unit Records

Once you know the unit or battalion, war diaries, medal rolls and casualty lists can reveal a remarkable amount of detail.

⏳ How to Use British War Diaries in Family Research

⏳ Tracing a soldier using Casualty Records

Overlooked Sources and Hidden Gems

Assorted gemstones – uncovering hidden and overlooked sources in British military genealogy research

When the Obvious Places Fail You

Not all military records are at the National Archives or MoD. These posts help you find lesser-known archives and online gems.

👉 Overlooked Sources for British Military Genealogy

⏳ Coming soon: Finding Local Records in Regimental Museums and County Archives

Don’t Have Time? Let Us Help

Let Us Do the Research for You

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

🧾 View Research Packages

💌 Gift Packages

Researching British Army ancestors takes time and patience — but the right tools make all the difference. Use the guides above or contact us for expert help.

Or, return to start tracing