How to find your grandfather's British military records

The best place to start is with First and Second World War records. Depending on when your grandfather served, different resources will be relevant to you. Start by carrying out a general search for your grandfather’s name and date of birth. From here, you can narrow down results to find the details you’re looking for.  

For First World War ancestors, the following record sets will be useful: 

• British Army Service records, which may help you to trace your grandfather’s enlistment, active service and more.  
• Medal Index Cards. These are often the easiest way to confirm military service, listing regiments, service numbers, and campaign medals. 
• Service and pension records. Surviving records can show enlistment details, medical history, next of kin, and postings. 
• War diaries. Although not personal records, they describe day-to-day life in your grandfather’s unit, placing his experience in context. 

If your grandfather served in the Second World War, look for information in: 

• The 1939 Register. This key resource offers a detailed snapshot of the nation on the cusp of war, allowing you to see where your civilian ancestors were at this crucial time.  
• World War 2 Allies Collection, which contains over 15 million records of Allied soldiers from across the globe. 
• Army Rolls of Honour, 1939-1945, commemorating British Army personnel who died during the Second World War.  

Most British service records from the Second World War are still held by the Ministry of Defence. If your grandfather served between 1939 and 1945, you can apply for a copy of his record through the UK Government website. A small fee and proof of death are required.  

These detailed records may include enlistment dates, units, promotions, transfers, conduct, and medical history. 

Even if you don’t find personal documents straight away, identifying your grandfather’s regiment or unit is hugely helpful. Many regimental museums, archives or associations hold additional material, including newsletters, photographs, and personal accounts.  

Knowing his unit can also let you explore regimental war diaries or operational records, which detail movements and engagements. 

Websites like Findmypast and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission offer a wide range of searchable records: 

• British Army Service Records 
• Royal Navy service records 
• Royal Air Force records 
• WW1 and WW2 casualty lists 
• Rolls of honour 
• Prisoner of war records 
• Campaign medal rolls 

If your grandfather died in service, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website can provide burial or memorial information. 

Local newspapers can be a goldmine. Many featured stories about local men going off to war, promotions, letters home, injuries, and awards.  

With a little clever digging, you may find personal details about your ancestor’s military story, or a photograph of them from the time.  

As you uncover new clues, record everything in an online family tree. Findmypast’s handy family tree tool allows you to upload documents and photos, keep your sources organised and view your grandfather’s life story in a clear and simple way.