Introduction

We all have ancestors who served in the Armed Forces. If you would like to know more about their service our researcher may be able to help. Our pages give details by each arm of the services, what searches can be conducted and what is likely to be available. If they were granted an award for Gallantry or Meritorious service these can also be searched.

The searches are set at a fixed fee which includes all copying and postage costs. The only exceptions to our set fee are enquiries for information not covered in these pages and service records for WW1 other ranks with commonplace names. For example there are 35 reels of microfilm with service records for those named William Smith. To search through these would probably take two days. Most names are fine, just a few exceptions.

What information is required to conduct a search?

The minimum information needed to conduct a search is the subjects name and what arm they served in along with their approximate date of service. Our Research Request Form gives other details which might assist a search. You will gain a better idea of what information may be required for each arm by reading through the appropriate search page.

Where can I obtain information to assist a search?

Often a search can be conducted with very little information. However if you have any of the following which lists a service number, rank etc it may be of assistance. Firstly if you have any of your ancestor’s awards or medals most will have stamped or engraved on them their name, rank and number along with other information depending on the period, award and arm. You may have their discharge certificate, identity disc, paybook, personal or official correspondence which has information. If none of the above is available a photograph in uniform may assist. If so we will ask for a copy if one is available if this may help.

How do I request a search?

Please complete the Research Request Form. From this information our researcher can assess if there is enough information to conduct the research. If a search can be conducted you will be asked to complete the form and make payment. You will then be sent an order number that you can quote in any communication.

If there is not enough information to conduct a search you will be advised if there is any additional details you can supply that may help.

In most cases information can be obtained but on occasions a positive trace of an individual cannot be made. This is minimised by only accepting commissions with enough information to conduct a search.

What will I receive and how?

Firstly you will receive a report listing the records searched and the results. An example can be found here Copies of documents traced will be supplied as digital images. Where possible they will be supplied via email. These can then be saved to your computer or CD. Where there are in excess of 20-25 images they will be supplied by post on CD/DVD.

How long will it take?

In most cases commissions will be completed within 30 days. On occasions this may take a longer. If this is the case you will be contacted within two weeks if there is likely to be a delay.

This may be the case with 19th century Army Regimental Musters if a man has served for instance 25 years or Musters are disorganised. Also with some Royal Marines Records and Royal Navy enlistment papers for the early 20th century.

How much will it cost?

For most searches there is a set fee. For searches for an individuals service the cost is £69.95 and for an honour or award £29.95. The only exception to the service record fee is in a few cases of WW1 army personnel with commonplace names. If your enquiry is not covered within these two costings please click the "Other" button and give details of your enquiry in the Further information field.

Research Request Form
Example Report

More Info
Army
Royal Navy
Royal Flying Corps & Royal Air Force
Royal Marines
Merchant Navy
Medals and Honours
Women's Service