Obtaining WW1 and 2 Service Records

[annaandchester]

Anyone got any advice or tips on how to track down navy and army records for WW1 and 2?

Many thanks

Anna

[pwenlock]

Hi Anna

I assume your talking of British service records.  If this is the case, for WW1 army records you'll need to search the National Archives at Kew.  About 60% of the records were destroyed in the blitz so it can be hit or miss.

You can also search for the servicemans medal index card at
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/browse-refine.asp?CatID=10&searchType=browserefine&pagenumber=1&query=*&queryType=1

If it's WW2, you can apply for a copy of from the Army Records Office, but you have to be the next of kin of the soldier.  The address is

Army Personnel Centre
HQ Secretariat
Historical Disclosures
Mail Point 400
Kentigern House
65 Brown Street
Glasgow
G2 8EX
Tel: 0845 600 9663, option 1, then option 3

Note that this office may take some time to respond as they are not an archive source but deal with day to day postings & career management of serving officers & soldiers

Yours aye
Paul

[Wendi]

but you have to be the next of kin of the soldier.

Or have their written permission.

Just wanted to add that 

Wendi

[neil1821]

Navy Seaman records are online at TNA, as are WW1 medal cards for the army:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/

For WW2, service records are still with the MOD,
http://www.veteransagency.mod.uk/service_records/service_records.html

Neil