Military Records

Military records can be used to help compile a family history, since most families have ancestors who served in the armed forces. The records for officers are the most detailed, but records do survive for private soldiers and NCO's and naval ratings. Records for members of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force are also available. The information recorded on these records varies considerably depending on rank, service and date, but a soldier's discharge papers will typically record the details of his enlistment and discharge, his service history and conduct, his medical history and his next of kin. The medical section usually includes a detailed physical description of the serviceman, including height and weight, hair and eye colour, complexion and any distinctive scars or tattoos. All this can provide fascinating extra detail to one's knowledge of an ancestor.

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