UK Military - obtaining Service Records

To obtain records read http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/service_records.html
Applications for records since 1920s to apply for these you need to be the next of kin

see also my pages on Finding Royal Marine records and - Navy Links

Public Domain records - ie service finished prior 1930s - various dates depending on service see veterans site.
TNA/ PRO http://www.catalogue.nationalarchives.gov.uk/default.asp/
Try "search the catalogue". But you may need to visit Kew to see the records. - some names will appear in a catalogue search and Kew will quote on sending copies - one person paid around 20 GBP another as little as 8.50 so always worth asking for a quote
For WW1 check http://www.documentsonline.nationalarchives.gov.uk/whats-new.asp Find discussion on the Burnt records etc

Also check the Medal Index Cards - read the TNA help to understand what you can expect. Estimate was that only 5% of cards had data on second side BUT it might be the man's address. This site has more on what can be found on the cards http://www.1914-1918.net/mics.htm

Ancestry has Medal cards as part of their subscription package
Search British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920 - Ancestry.co.uk
plus
Royal Naval Division Casualties of The Great War, 1914-1924 -
British Army WWI Pension Records 1914-1920
British Army WWI Service Records, 1914-1920

Your folk may be mentioned at http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk especially WW1 & WW2 for Promotion and Awards.

You may need to visit Kew see Kew visiting and accommodation near TNA (PRO) or employ a researcher see Researchers for UK

The various Regiments Guards have their own archive of Service
Regimental Headquarters Grenadier Guards Wellington Barracks Birdcage Walk London SW1E 6HQ

Finding British Army Ancestors http://www.the-dicksons.org/army/soldier_search.htm

some news on records becoming available for Chelsea Pensioners and Merchant seamen
Legacy News: FamilySearch Teams with Findmypast.com to Increase Online Access to British Historical Records

return to UK Military - and Police links