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Find family heroes and their remarkable stories in millions of online military records

Fathers. Grandfathers. Ancestors. Don’t let their sacrifices be forgotten. Unearth tales of bravery and loss in simple-to-search, original military records from the British Army and beyond. Together, we’ll keep their legacies alive.

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What are military records?

If your ancestors enlisted in the armed forces, their surviving records can paint a detailed picture of their careers and lives. Featuring rich information like their occupations, addresses, next of kin and even whether they had any tattoos or scars, military service and pension records shine a light on your ancestors' achievements, challenges and personalities. Held between The National Archives and the Ministry of Defence, millions of servicemen's records are now available to explore online at Findmypast. From Waterloo to the Falklands, you'll find records relating to every major conflict from the last 300 years.

How to trace military ancestors

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Preserve their memories forever on your family tree

Clever family tree hints will find military records for you.

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Explore millions of military personnel records

From enlistments to pension records, this handy guide will help.

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Learn what life was like in wartime

Historical newspapers provide unmatched colour and context.

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Where will your military past take you?

Millions of families have connections to World War 1 and World War 2. We'll help you find, share and preserve yours with advice from those who know the records best.

It's your past. Find it.

With no success, I hunted for details of my grandfather's First World War service records for years. Imagine my joy when I found them in Findmypast's military collection. I screamed to my husband that I'd finally found him!

Carla

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Highlights from our extensive military archive

Delve into millions of surviving armed forces records to piece together some of the most poignant chapters of your past.

British Army Service Records

From initial medical reports to discharge documents, this historic archive can be used to paint a detailed picture of your ancestor’s military service. Search British Army Service Records.

Historical British Newspapers

Read about your ancestor’s service and even get the chance to see them in uniform. Search Historical British Newspapers.

Medal Rolls and Honours

Detailed accounts of heroism and bravery that give insight into your ancestor’s time in the forces. Many records even contain photographs. Search Medal Rolls and Honours.

British Red Cross Register of Overseas Volunteers 1914-1918

Even before women could enlist for the armed forces, men weren’t the only wartime heroes. Discover your female ancestors’ contributions. Search British Red Cross Register of Overseas Volunteers 1914-1918.

WW1 Ships Lost at Sea, 1914-1919

Over 500 British Royal Navy ships were lost at sea during the First World War. These records cover every single one of them. Search WW1 Ships Lost at Sea, 1914-1919.

Royal Navy Officers 1899-1919

Detailed personal information such as father's and wife's name is listed in this set, along with marriage date – a great help when building your family tree. Search Royal Navy Officers 1899-1919.

Enemy Aliens and Internees, First and Second World Wars

Thousands of foreign nationals were interned in camps and these records comprise the enemy alien index cards from the Home Office, nominal rolls, correspondence, and more. Search Enemy Aliens and Internees, First and Second World Wars.

British Army Casualty Lists 1939-1945

Most Second World War service records are held by the Ministry of Defence. We do, however, have some vital collections including this poignant set. Search British Army Casualty Lists 1939-1945.

Napoleonic War Records 1775-1817

Go beyond 20th-century warfare with some of the best-preserved military service records available online, detailing the men who signed up from England and Wales. Search Napoleonic War Records 1775-1817.

British Army Lists 1839-1946

A census-like document that tells you the rank and regiment of your ancestor, along with where they were stationed at the time. Search British Army Lists 1839-1946.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Debt of Honour

This important collection lists the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the two World Wars. Search Commonwealth War Graves Commission Debt of Honour.

World War 2 Allies Collection

Handpicked by our in-house military experts, explore a vast one-stop-shop for Allied Forces' records from the Second World War. Search World War 2 Allies Collection.