Use IWM’s rich collections and practical research guides to uncover the contexts behind your relatives’ service. 

We offer expert guidance and contextual resources. Use our guides to track down the right documents and begin uncovering your family’s wartime story.

We don’t hold service records, but we can help you find the right documents and understand their context.

Start your family history research

What you can learn from different types of records

You can research the experiences of an individual by looking at:

  • Service records: Usually include enlistment and demobilisation dates, units served with, postings, injuries, and disciplinary actions. Different types exist for officers and airmen.
  • Casualty information: Sources documenting those wounded, taken prisoner, killed in action, or commemorated by burial and memorial records.
  • Medal records: Indicate participation in specific campaigns, as well as honours for service or gallantry.
  • Unit and operational histories: Reveal day‑to‑day activities, movements, and operations of military units.
  • Social and local history sources: Church registers, school or workplace records, and local newspapers may offer personal mentions and wider context.

Start by gathering information from mementoes, medals, letters and documents that you or other family members may still have. Look for clues such as service numbers, ranks, units, and dates. These details will make help you identify the correct records.

Service records

IWM do not hold personal service records or official documentation.

Where to access records online

Many records are only available online, sometimes across multiple platforms. Some are free to access, while others require a subscription. 

Research facilities

IWM’s reading room. The room is full of long white desks with swivel chairs. Running along one wall are shelves full of reference books for consultation.
© IWM
IWM London's Research Room

IWM has an outstanding research library including over 150,000 books and periodicals.

Search our online catalogue for materials we have in our collection that you can request to view.

The research room at IWM London is open five days a week and provides access to a treasure trove of original documents, sound recordings, photographs, and more. 

Research facilities at IWM London

More online resources from IWM

Search IWM's community built resources to help you explore your family history.

  • Pilot of the 353rd Fighter Group in the briefing room.
    © IWM FRE 379

    American Archive

    Discover and share stories of the US Army Air Forces in Britain during the Second World War. Search the American Archive for records of people, aircraft, places and photographs, or contribute your own

    Search IWM's American Archive
  • A party of British troops with guns and shovels at Fleurbaix.
    Credit: IWM Q649

    Lives of the First World War

    IWM’s Lives of the First World War tells the stories of individuals from across Britain and the Commonwealth who served in uniform and worked on the home front. 

    Search IWM's Lives of the First World War
  • War Memorial: IWM (Q 48871)
    © IWM (Q 48871)

    War Memorials Register

    IWM's War Memorials Register is a database of UK war memorials and the names of the individuals they commemorate.

    Search IWM's War Memorials Register